MBABANE – The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon Jane Mkhonta Simelane, has announced the launch of a national project aimed at reducing risks to human health and the environment caused by Persistent Organic Pollutants and unintentionally produced POPs in Eswatini.
The project titled “Reduced Risks on Human Health and the Environment through the Reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants POPs and Unintentionally Produced POPs U POPs in Eswatini” was unveiled as a major step toward strengthening environmental protection and public health in the Kingdom.
The initiative is supported by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme and seeks to advance Eswatini’s vision of becoming a Zero Waste Country, creating a Plastic Free Society, and building a One Health Nation where human, animal and environmental health are inseparable.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said government cannot tackle the challenge alone and called for collective responsibility from citizens, businesses and communities. She urged Emaswati to move from blame to partnership in addressing poor waste management, which she described as both a public health emergency and an environmental catastrophe.
The project will focus on strengthening policies and regulations, promoting circular waste management practices such as recycling and composting, implementing environmentally sound healthcare waste management systems, and ensuring rigorous monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Government expects the initiative to deliver climate adaptation and mitigation benefits while protecting public health, biodiversity and the national economy. The programme comes at a time when concerns over waste management and pollution continue to grow across the country, particularly in urban centres.
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