How ports in Africa plan to tackle waste management

By Patrick Beja

Marine pollution and poor waste management in most African ports is to blame for poor climatic conditions.

In view of this threat, ports in the continent have embarked on plans to launch African Green Ports Initiative to contain climate change.

This would be in the model of the Green Ports Foundation that is supported by the European Seaports Association.

The initiative to combat marine pollution and improve waste management will entail planting trees around ports and their surroundings in co-operation with local communities and removal of wreckage in ports.

Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (Pmaesa), which covers 20 ports in the continent is spearheading the efforts.

Financial assistance

In an interview, Pmaesa Secretary General Jerome Ntibarekerwa said they would seek financial and technical assistance from the European Union.

"We are seeking funds to commission a study, draw an action plan and develop human resource," he said.

Green Port Initiative would have a donor account to fund environmental protection and Pmaesa would co-ordinate its programmes.

"Ports in the region have concentrated on productivity and improving technology and we need to focus more on marine environment through the Green Ports Initiative," said Ntibarekerwa.

To achieve green port status, each port would be required to put proper investments in marine environment and work with surrounding communities. Each port is expected to put in place a national programme that supports marine environment.