By Our Reporter
Abahumuza Development Group is organizing a marathon to save River Rwizi in Mbarara. Dubbed Save River Rwizi Marathon, it aims to sensitize the public about the need to conserve the river which is essential to the livelihoods of many in the district.
Statistics from NEMA show that plastics take a lion’s share of the waste with over 600 tonnes being produced every day throughout the country. Given that only 40% of this waste is collected and disposed of properly, the remaining 60% finds its way into the environment, causing pollution. Plastic waste constitutes the greatest part of pollution of water sources.
According to Ramadhan Kimbugwe from Abahumuza Development Group, this year’s marathon proceeds will go towards the scaling of the plastic waste bunker initiative in a bid to ease the disposal, collection and recycling of plastic waste. The initiative seeks to create 200 bunkers in Mbarara City with capacity of collecting 480 tonnes of plastic per year.
“We urge all stakeholders including manufacturers, corporate entities, government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, environmentalists, youth groups and all nature loving citizens to popularize and support this initiative. The gains from restoration of our river are a win for all of us,” Ramadhan further said.
The marathon is scheduled for Sunday July 30, 2023, starting at the Mbarara Golf Course grounds.