Social mobilisation needed for proper waste management

Japanese Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi speaks at a seminar on 'Sustainable management of urban solid waste', organised by the Presidency University in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

They said the people should be more active in primary collection of the waste to keep their places clean.

The seminar on 'Sustainable Management of Urban Solid Waste' was organised by the Centre for Excellence and Professional Development (CEPD) of Presidency University at Gulshan in the city.

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Prof M Asaduzzaman, chairman of the University Grants Commission, formally inaugurated the seminar.

Speaking as chief guest, State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon said management of clinical waste should be prioritised as these are reportedly reused in unhygienic ways posing serious threat to public health.

He said a comprehensive knowledge about the system of urban solid waste management in countries like Japan and the USA could help us in this respect.

Japanese Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi, in his speech, highlighted the cooperation between Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) in the fields of sanitation and solid waste management in the capital.

Deputy leader of JICA study team Kihachiro Urushibata laid emphasis on the increase of budget for waste management.

He said the DCC at present imposes only two percent of holding tax for solid waste management although its upper limit is seven percent.

Chairman of the Presidency University Rokia Afzal Rahman said, "We have to deal the matter of solid waste management seriously in urban areas which attract rural people in large number."

She called for ensuring quality education in all educational institutions.

Acting vice-chancellor of Presidency University Dr MA Baqui Khalily also spoke at the inaugural secession.