Finding solutions to cleaner cities is not rocket science after all!! Mr. Rashmin Chitnis

The initiative taken by TCKC to organize such a forum is indeed commendable. The input given by various individuals and the stakeholders will undoubtedly pave way for a cleaner environment. Together with the input, we also need to see a lot of positive action at the grass root level. The societal transformation is possible from such grass root level action. The spark that is ignited by TCKC will hopefully light many lamps in the hearts of families and will see such transformation for the benefit of our communities. I say this because the politicians and the bureaucratic structures have failed to do so. That apart, let us take advantage of this initiative to change our lives….. by ourselves.

Allow me to add a few thoughts through this email, as I could not attend the forum due to last minute commitments. I wish to focus through bullet points since speakers have elaborated through substantive rhetoric.

 

·         The next forum (and I hope we shall break away from the traditional culture of meetings) should decide how TCKC shall prepare a blueprint for a civic education campaign for a waste management beginning at the household level. When we succeed in creating this vital awareness, TCKC will not have to do the exercise of cleaning the streets.

·         Separation of waste at the source is essential and be made mandatory as we make progress. Separation of waste will help us towards attaining sustainable greener environment through recycling and preserving our precious natural resources.

·         Garbage dumps can be eliminated if Kenya can invest in tapping power from the methane gas (mentioned by one speaker) or through large scale incinerators. Private investors have generated wealth through power generation in European countries.

·         There are five main areas of separation of waste, i. e. paper, cans, plastic, bottles and the rest of the garbage. A lot of volume can be reduced if plastic and glass bottles are separated and taken for recycling. Not only that the youth can earn livelihood but the householders will be relieved to get rid of the unwanted stuff.

·         TCKC should form two self-help groups, one for civic education for waste management and two for creating structures in the neighborhoods for collection of separated waste products to recycling plants.

·         TCKC can also form another group to work with CCN to maintain sidewalks and where possible encourage residents to plant. Empty spaces attracts people’s attention to throw garbage. We must also through PPP, place adequate size dustbins at all public places and ensure people make use of them through awareness campaign. Lack of adequate dustbins is a major cause of unclean public places.

·         Catch them young is a popular saying. The civic education material should be shared for inclusion in the school curriculum and pursued very vigorously.

·         And finally, I must say there are three essential attributes that stand apart between Kenya and developed countries whose models we try and emulate. Discipline, timeliness and cleanliness. Reflect on them and you will realize that these simple basic qualities alone have made the countries develop. President Obama had remarked that we shall solve our problems through commonsense solutions. Finding solutions to cleaner cities is not rocket science after all!!

 

RASHMIN CHITNIS