ZCZC
BSS-38
WASTE-CLEANING-CAMPAIGN
Month-long waste cleaning campaign launched in Teknaf
DHAKA, April 30, 2019 (BSS) – In response to Rohingya influx, the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today launched a month-long waste
cleaning campaign in nine wards of the Teknaf Municipality in Cox’s Bazar to
clean up and recover wastes.
During the inaugural session of the campaign launching event, mayor of
Teknaf Municipality Mohammed Islam said: “It is our responsibility to save
Teknaf by not littering spontaneously. It is not only damaging our natural
habitat and ecosystem, but causing several health hazards”.
The mayor received the waste materials and equipment for cleaning from the
UN agency, a UNDP press release said.
The campaign is a part of the project, launched by UNDP in October 2018,
titled “Sustainable Solutions to Solid Waste: A Local Response to the
Rohingya Crisis” supported by the Swedish Development Agency (SIDA).
The three-year project is implemented both in host communities and
Rohingya camps, to improve the existing solid waste system in Teknaf
municipality.
The project will also build the capacity of local government, introduce
source segregation of solid waste, establish community-based composting
system, enhance the solid waste recycling endeavors and improve the existing
waste disposal practices.
Cash for work scheme will be introduced for 52 people from the Teknaf
Municipality over 20 days who will be engaged in the cleaning campaign.
While handing over the materials to the mayor, Head of UNDP’s Cox’s Bazar
office Trevor Daniel Clark said solid waste management is now an urgent need
in Teknaf, considering the pressure caused by the over-population and the
massive volume of waste produced daily in the crammed area. “This campaign
will improve the situation and also raise the awareness of people in Teknaf.”
Nine ward councilors, religious leaders, representative from local
government and UNDP officials were present at the launching event.
BSS/PR/MRI/ARS/1925 hrs