The Vitalising Opportunities in Circular Economy for Sustainable Solutions in Lake Tanganyika (VOICES) Project in Mpulungu has trained 50 people in three communities on creating awareness on ending plastic pollution.
VOICES Project Officer Malisela Tembo says the project has continued to engage people in communities to train and introduce them to the concept of circular economy.
Speaking to the media in an interview in Mpulungu, Ms Tembo explained that the training emphasises the principles of reusing, and recycling waste in the district.
She revealed that the training also focused on equipping participants with practical skills to help them adapt to local settings and work on things with minimal supervision.
“So far we are happy that communities have mastered the concept, and as a project we look forward to a situation where they will be able to practice these skills and be innovative in their unique way,” she explained.
Ms Tembo added that the project wants to see communities come up with their own circular economy innovations that are marketable.
She said this will help people to utilise the waste that was around them by making products that can be sold to make a living.
She adds that this will also reduce overdependence on fishing in Lake Tanganyika while fighting pollution.
And community members in Mpulungu have expressed gratitude to the project for coming up with the initiatives that are aimed at improving people’s lives.
Mable Mazimba said the knowledge imparted to the people was important and would help not only to uplift people’s lives now but also in future.
Ms Mazimba added that the VOICES Project has helped communities with knowledge of how to reuse and recycle waste, stating that it will help to reduce waste and turn it into wealth that will help future generations.
She added that the project has taught members of savings groups how to get worn out plastic shoes and use materials to remake them so they look new and can be sold or just worn at home.
And Emmanuel Simfukwe said the knowledge gained in the training will help people in villages to make use of the waste to create new things that can be used.
Mr Simfukwe said the trained teams will take the information and spread it to other members of the community so that those with interest can join in turning waste into wealth.
