Mudi River cleanup campaign yields desks
European Union (EU)-funded Waste Advisers is helping a local organisation called Art Malawi to transform waste collected from Mudi River in Blantyre into durable desks for schools.
The project started in 2021 when Art Malawi embarked on a mission to clean up the heavily polluted river to manage waste and reduce water pollution.
The local initiative is now recycling plastic waste from the river into desks that are being delivered to schools in Ndirande Township with each desk costing K250 000.
Addressing the press in Lilongwe on Saturday, Billy Bray, managing director of Waste Advisers, also known as Green Economies Made Simple (Waste/Gems), said the initiative was part of a broader project called Building Better that was launched in response to the economic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the Building Better project seeks to help Malawi rebuild its economy with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
“This initiative is about much more than just desks; it is an educational opportunity to teach the next generation about the value of the circular economy alongside the placement of these durable desks,” said Bray.
EU head of cooperation George Dura described the project as a shining example of the union’s support towards Malawi’s transition to a circular economy.
“By transforming Mudi River waste into school desks, we are tackling environmental challenges and creating community benefits,” he said.
In addition to the production of school desks, Waste/Gems is promoting composting businesses that convert organic waste into nutrient-rich soil conditioners.
The composts improve soil health, increase fertiliser efficiency by up to 30 percent and boost agricultural productivity across Malawi.
