By Willy Kadewere

Chikwawa, April 5, Mana: As a strategy for waste management, Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI), with funding from USAID through the Governance for Solutions (GfS) project, has trained all youth networks in Chikwawa on how to conserve the environment.

During a daylong training workshop held on Friday, youths were challenged to initiate innovations that should contribute to environmental conservation through proper plastic waste management for a better and conducive environment.

In his remarks, Environmental Health Officer for Chikwawa, Boniface Grem encouraged the youths to develop new and innovative ideas on waste management that could be transformed into other sources of income.

“Malawi has high unemployment rate and with proper waste management, we can turn our ideas into entrepreneurial opportunities to support our lives,” said Grem.

In his remarks, District Youth Officer for Chikwawa, McNeal Shire commended DAI for organising an engagement meeting with youths considering numerous challenges Chikwawa district faces in waste management.

"This meeting is paramount for youths as they can share innovative ideas on plastic waste management.

“I am grateful because some have already started producing products from plastic wastes," Shire said.

One of the youths that attended the meeting, Chisomo Samson from Masache Youth Network, applauded the organisation for the training, stating that knowledge and skills gained from the workshop will help them to develop business ideas from plastic waste, such as doormat making and other items from plastic waste.

She pledged to share the knowledge and skills with fellow youths and community members.

Recently Chikwawa District Council officials conducted market place clean up exercise at Bereu after observing poor waste management.

Market vendors were encouraged to do regular clean ups to address the environmental concern.