Jekora Ventures Limited, a leading waste segregation and management company, has rewarded Methodist Girls’ Senior High School (MEGHISS) at Mamfe Akuapem in the Eastern Region with 12 waste bins for emerging winner of the 7th edition of the Planet Broadway Drama Festival competition, organised by Heritage Africa.
Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony, Emmanuel Chainortey, General Manager in charge of Segregation and Innovations, said the reward formed part of the company’s commitment to supporting waste segregation initiatives in schools across the country.
He noted that the support was not only to reward the school but also to fulfil the company’s promise to contribute to the country’s vision of making Ghana the cleanest country in Africa.
“In pursuit of that agenda, Jekora Ventures Limited has designed a comprehensive strategy to tackle sanitation issues by donating refuse bins to various schools, including MEGHISS, for effective waste segregation to promote good sanitation in the country,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of waste management, Chainortey emphasised that, “Solid waste segregation at the source of generation is the prerequisite…to provide quality feedstock to engender the commercial viability of recycled products.”
He explained that once waste is properly segregated at the source, it paves the way for a vibrant circular economy.
“The circular economy then takes over when consumers get value-for-money products. Conventional haulage costs will be reduced drastically, reduction of as much as 60%. Landfill costs will equally be reduced by as much as 80%, in addition to over quadrupling landfill lifespans,” he said.
Chainortey further noted that waste collection companies could earn additional income from selling processed feedstock and secondary materials, leading to the creation of a new waste-based industry.
“Once segregated, waste gains value and a new industry, the circular economy, will emerge. There will, consequently, be a paradigm shift in the funding of waste management,” he added.
He revealed that this year’s Planet Broadway Drama Festival was held under the theme “The Benefits of Sanitation on National Development,” which aligned perfectly with Jekora Ventures’ mission.
“Having been a waste segregation company, we were very happy when the organisers, Heritage Africa, approached us to sponsor the event,” he said.
“For us, the donation of bins to schools is a model we have been championing for a long time. We believe that the waste segregated by students of MEGHISS will be sent to recycling companies, significantly reducing waste generation on the school premises,” Chainortey stated.
He also appealed to teachers to assist in shaping the students’ attitudes toward sanitation and guide them to properly utilise the waste bins provided.
The Headmistress of MEGHISS, Sylvia Isabella Laryea, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the donation.
She assured the company that the bins would be used effectively to promote proper waste management in the school.
