Nelson Boateng using plastic bricks to build
The chief executive officer of Nelplast Eco Ghana Ltd has called for support in expanding its operations in a bid to solve the plastic waste menace in Ghana.
The company currently specialises in turning plastic bags into pavement blocks that can be used to build roads and houses.
It has initiated moves to enter into a partnership with the Sekondi Takoradi Municipal Assembly (STMA) to train over hundred youth in how to use plastics to build toilets.
About 2.58 million metric tonnes of raw plastics are imported into Ghana annually, and 73% of that ends up as waste, while only 19% is re-used, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Appearing on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (21 August), Boateng said his outfit requires US$ 2 million to enable it process the 20,000 kilos of plastic daily.
“Plastic is a global problem and Ghana alone is producing over 1.5 million tonnes a year and only 5 percent is being recycled, so for me I dont think I can tackle the plastic problem alone,” Boateng said.
“Currently we are done signing a contract with the Sekondi Takoradi Municipal Assembly (STMA) to train over people on how to use these plastics to build toilet, so there is nothing am hiding.”
He added “We have applied and receive several funds, but it is not enough to move us to the next stage, we are looking at US$ 2 million to be able to recycle the 20,000 kilos of plastic we receive on daily basis We are not doing this to compete with the cement industry, our purpose is to keep this plastic waste off the street.”
Listen to Nelson Boateng in the attached audio clip below:
Watch the full interview in the video clip below:
By Fred Dzakpata in Accra
