Innovative young entrepreneur Joseph Manjanja from Chileka Township in Blantyre is turning plastic waste into bricks.
The Fourth-Year student in Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), has described the bricks as eco-friendly, water resistant and stronger.
The 27-year-old innovator has told ProjectM that this inspiring initiative is paving the way for waste reduction and environmental conservation.
He said: “We grew up in Ndirande Township, one of the semi-urban townships in Blantyre where we faced challenges with poor waste management due to lack of proper waste collection.
“However, most of these recycled plastics end up affecting water bodies such as Mudi and Nasolo River thereby causing a lot of hygiene and environmental problems.”
The Chileka based young man, who started this project in 2016, has said currently he is producing about 50 bricks per day because he does not have the machinery to produce on a large scale to boost his Innovation.
”We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment by converting waste plastics from house holds, schools and companies into sustainable eco-friendly bricks because this project focuses on recycling waste into valuable construction materials such as pavers, roofing sheets, bricks and many more. If I get the Machinery my biggest plan is to produce on a large scale to meet local and international demand”, he said.
He adds that addressing plastic pollution reguires collective efforts from various stakeholders saying implementing waste management strategies, promoting recycling and proper disposal practices including raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution are essential steps to mitigate this environmental threat and protect the health ecosystems and the communities.
Environmental Expert Julius Ng’oma said innovation is key to addressing environmental pollution from plastics and therefore needs to be encouraged.
He told ProjectM that the accumulation of plastic waste poses a threat to the ecosystem because plastic does not decompose like organic materials.
Ng’oma also said plastics break down into smaller pieces known as micro-plastics which can persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years.
He said: “This is a workable solution to manage plastics on earth while we push for a sustainable solution for government to ban the manufacturing and use of plastics.
“Innovators need to be supported Financially and technically have to be in the area of finding alternatives for plastic pollution.”
Joseph Mwanjanja can be reached at: +265885 692 566.
