Sunday, August 3, 2008

Community Initiative (1) - Waste Composting

The First Project Steering Committee Meeting for the Household Waste Composting Community Initiative jointly organised by MBPJ and CETDEM and funded by DANIDA-SWMC was conveyed on the 1st August 2008. The meeting was chaired by Mr Mak Khuin Weng, MBPJ's Councillor. This marked the new beginning of LA 21 PJ with first meeting been chaired by a new councillor. As past experiences shown, political will and commitment from the top management and councillors are important, the presence of councillor is hopefully provided further strength to the project.

The Committee is also comprised of representatives from residents groups in which their participation can provide valuable input from the residents perspective. The house owners group will tell us the pro and con of implementing household waste composting considering that the size of urban dwelling unit is limited and people are so busy attending to their works, leaving little time for environment...

The meeting was informed of project progress and it was told that we are well ahead of time. At the moment, screening of participants is in the process and by middle of this month, the final list can be ready and briefings/demonstration can be started.

The project is on as I believe on community capacity building programme. To have an efficient solid waste management system focusing on 3R, human factor plays an important role. We have to change the attitude of people, to change their wasteful lifestyle, to get them to reduce waste generation at source, to compost at home or the least is to bring the recyclable items to the recycling centres. It is no use of applying technology and equipments without compelling the people to do and practice on their own as old habit never dies.

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