NGO drills Lilongwe youths,women to make briquettes

Youth Progressive Environmental Solutions has drilled young people and women in making high quality biomass briquettes.

The briquettes are made from carbon vegetative waste such as groundnut and coconut shells, maize cobs, saw dust and waste paper.

Speaking on Wednesday during a tour to appreciate the impact of the project, the organisation’s chief executive officer Msaiwale Mwale said apart from empowering women and youths, they aim to mitigate climate change effects through alternative fuel.

“Women are involved in firewood collection and kitchen business. We targeted youths because most of them have no stable employment,” he said.

Mwale thanked Save the Children for funding their project.

Department of Environmental Affairs chief environmental officer Clement Tikiwa has since hailed the work the organisation is implementing.

“We have seen how people in villages can easily make briquettes. You might be aware that one of the challenges we are facing is deforestation. The organisation is empowering people to find alternative energy sources,” he said.

Tikiwa also said the manuals and website were in line with government’s policy on environment.

“The National Environmental Policy 2004 is about promoting information, education and outreach. The manual and website which have been developed is in line with this,” he said.

Agnes Dickson, who underwent the training, thanked the organisation for empowering her to make briquettes.