UNDP launches month long waste cleaning campaign in Teknaf

Cox’s Bazar, April 30 (NsNewsWire) — In response to Rohingya influx, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a month-long waste cleaning campaign in nine wards of the Teknaf Municipality to clean up and recover wastes on 30 April.

During the inaugural session of the campaign launching event, Haji Mohammed Islam, Mayor, Teknaf Municipality said,” It is all of our responsibility to save Teknaf by not littering spontaneously. It is not only damaging our natural habitat and ecosystem, but causes several health hazards.” Mayor received the waste materials and equipment for cleaning from UNDP.

The campaign is a part of the project, launched by UNDP in October 2018, titled “Sustainable Solutions to Solid Waste: A Local Response to the Rohingya Crisis” supported by the Swedish Development Agency (SIDA).  The three-year project is implemented both in host communities and Rohingya camps, to improve the existing solid waste system in Teknaf municipality.  The project will also build the capacity of local government, introduce source segregation of solid waste, establish community-based composting system, enhance the solid waste recycling endeavors and improve the existing waste disposal practices.

Cash for work scheme will be introduced for 52 people from the Teknaf Municipality over 20 days who will be engaged in cleaning campaign.

Trevor Daniel Clark, Head of UNDP’s Cox’s Bazar office, while handing over the materials to the mayor said, “Solid waste management is now an urgent need in Teknaf, considering the pressure caused by the over-population and the massive volume of waste produced daily in the crammed area. This campaign will improve the situation and also raise the awareness of people in Teknaf.”

Among others nine Ward councilors, religious leaders, representative from local government and UNDP were also present in the launching event. Press release