By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, December 3, Mana: The Vice President Dr. Michael Usi who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change has said the launch of the e-waste management policy is a crucial step steps toward a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations

The Vice President made the sentiment Tuesday, during the official commemoration of the International E-waste Day and launch of the national e-waste management policy at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

He said the improper disposal of E-waste has led to soil and water contamination, through the release of hazardous chemicals that poses health risks to the people who come into contact with such materials, but also wreaking havoc on the environment.

Usi asked Malawians to join hands in the global effort to retrieve, recycle, and revive. 

“This year’s theme, ‘Join the E-waste hunt, retrieve, recycle and revive’ encourages all to participate in managing waste in the country, as one way of promoting environment and curbing climate change.

“We need to take critical steps towards managing e-waste in Malawi by promoting public awareness on proper disposal of E-waste material which are causing many health and environment problems in the country.”

“E-waste, if not handled properly, can wreak havoc on our environment, and this is why we must join hands in this global effort to retrieve, recycle, and revive,” he said.

Usi also hailed the launch of the National E-Waste Management Policy which he said ‘is a critical step forward in our journey toward creating a sustainable framework for managing e-waste in Malawi.’

The vice president also called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders in the management of e-waste.

“I call upon all stakeholders—government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and every Malawian citizen—to support and engage in the national effort to manage e-waste. Let us work together to retrieve old electronics, recycle them responsibly, and revive the precious resources contained within them for the benefit of our economy, society, and environment.”

Director of Environmental Affairs Taonga Mbale Luka said the launch of the E-waste management policy will play a crucial role in promoting specific policies and legal framework on its management.

She said the policy will therefore deal with health and environment problems that are currently on the rise in the country due to mismanagement of E-waste materials.

Board Chairperson for Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority MACRA, Bridget Chibwana, said that the launch of national E-waste management policy will play an important role and make sure the country is safe from harmful E-waste that can cause pollution and many health issues.

“MACRA will work hand in hand with the government, Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change and all other stakeholders engaged to ensure that all policies launched today are practically used in the country,” she added.