New waste rules coming soon

THE first phase of a national waste management policy is likely to be implemented by the end of next year, it was revealed at a workshop on the topic being held at Swakopmund.

It was the illegal dumping of medical waste at the Swakopmund dump and Windhoek’s two State hospitals last year that prompted the Health Ministry to start working on such a policy. The acting Director of Health and Social Services in Erongo, Philip Tshiteta, said the final policy should address all important elements of proper waste management, in and outside health facilities.Separation of waste according to composition and type, as well as monitoring and inspection strategies are crucial elements that should be accommodated in the policy, according to him.Another important aspect would be raising awareness of new regulations.Franz Simeon of the US-based University Research Company, who is financially and technically supporting these workshops, said the waste management policy is part of a global effort to protect the environment from pollution.The aim of this second workshop is to develop a practical waste management system that will contribute to sustainable development and a general improvement of the quality of life of all Namibians.Eventually, this policy would affect the way hazardous waste from all sectors is disposed of.The acting Director of Health and Social Services in Erongo, Philip Tshiteta, said the final policy should address all important elements of proper waste management, in and outside health facilities.Separation of waste according to composition and type, as well as monitoring and inspection strategies are crucial elements that should be accommodated in the policy, according to him.Another important aspect would be raising awareness of new regulations.Franz Simeon of the US-based University Research Company, who is financially and technically supporting these workshops, said the waste management policy is part of a global effort to protect the environment from pollution.The aim of this second workshop is to develop a practical waste management system that will contribute to sustainable development and a general improvement of the quality of life of all Namibians.Eventually, this policy would affect the way hazardous waste from all sectors is disposed of.