Youth organisation buys garbage to discourage littering in Rathedaung Twsp

By Admin 02 May 2023

DMG Newsroom
2 May 2023, Rathedaung

A local civil society organisation in Pyein Taw Village, part of Arakan State’s Rathedaung Township, is buying garbage in an effort to clean up plastic waste in the neighbourhood.

As part of the money-for-waste campaign launched on April 27, the Pyein Taw Development Youths Association is buying a gunny sack of plastic waste for 500 kyats.

Garbage bought will be recycled, and waste that can’t be recycled will be dumped systematically, said Ko Wai Lian, founder of the association.

“Villagers dump waste recklessly or burn it. It can create health risks for people, and plastic waste can also kill fish in rivers and streams. So, we are buying plastic as a priority, to educate villagers on how to systematically dispose of garbage,” he said.

Depending on the availability of funding, the association will also buy garbage from nearby villages.

The Pyein Taw Development Youths Association called on environmental organisations to make field trips and educate residents about waste disposal systems.

Green Sittwe, an environmental organisation based in Sittwe, said it is proud of the Pyein Taw Development Youths Association as there are few environmental organisations in Arakan State.

“There are few local and international nongovernmental organisations engaged in environmental conservation in Arakan State. We are happy that youths are taking initiative in their own village of Pyein Taw. We welcome it,” said Ma Aye Nyein Khaing of Green Sittwe.

Green Sittwe said it can also provide environmental conservation  training upon request.

Pyein Taw Village resident Ko Maung Saw Naing said: “I am pleased to see and proud that young people are making efforts to clear waste and conserve the environment. A clean and neat village is also a source of pride for villagers.”

The Pyein Taw Development Youths Association was formed in 2020 by some 30 young people, 10 of whom are working abroad, with the aim of facilitating development of the village.