Collecting waste from factories is one of the sustainable ways to protect the environment.
September 24, 2024
The environment is a cross-cutting issue that needs attention in both economic development and social welfare. Environmental challenges have been present for a long time, prompting the country to take measures to protect the environment.
During our visit to some industries, including Muhondo Coffee Company Ltd in Gakenke District, Muhondo Sector, Musenyi Cell, we found they have effective environmental protection methods, including capturing and filtering wastewater to prevent it from producing harmful acid that could damage the environment, particularly plants and small organisms living in rivers.
NIYIGENA Sidonia, responsible for agriculture at Muhondo Coffee Company Ltd, explained the process of composting coffee husks from the factory in an environmentally friendly manner. She said:
“We make compost by mixing coffee husks with green and dry vegetation, along with regular manure from livestock and kitchen waste. We first place sticks at the bottom to allow air circulation, then add dry vegetation, water for decomposition, green vegetation, organic fertilizer, and then soil, forming the first layer. After six to seven months of storage, we turn it every month to ensure the compost is of good quality and meets environmental standards.”
KARANGWA Wellars, the manager of Muhondo Coffee Company Ltd, mentioned that environmental protection measures in the factory are followed using advanced technology to capture wastewater through dedicated pits known as digesters. He said:
“The water from the factory is filtered through designated pits. It first passes through a pit containing large stones, then another with smaller stones to ensure no coffee husks pass through, followed by a sand pit for further filtration. Finally, the water that exits the last pit is clean and can be reused for irrigation.”
In addition to this, the factory also supports environmental conservation by providing farmers with trees that are planted alongside coffee plants, helping to prevent soil erosion and protecting the coffee from extreme sunlight and hail.
The Environmental Innovation Agency says that since 2008, 142 industries have incorporated environmental protection into their operations. From 2008 to 2013, 35 industries were trained in environmental technology, from 2013 to 2017, 65 industries were trained, and another 42 were trained between 2018 and 2020. This means that many industries may still be harming the environment.
This has been evident in inspections carried out by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), which has penalized some industries for environmental violations.
As reported by the Media for Environment, Science, Health, and Agriculture (MESHA) in Kenya, and the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) in India, a conference was held in Nairobi to release the 2024 Environmental Status Report for Africa.
The purpose of the conference was to publish the report and enhance the knowledge and capacity of journalists and other stakeholders on environmental and development issues in Africa.
The 2024 African Environmental Status Report, released by CSE, indicates that by 2050, 24 major cities in 15 African countries may face water scarcity. These countries include Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, and Tunisia.
For example, in Nigeria, the urban population facing water scarcity is expected to increase by 277%, while in Egypt, it could rise by 3,155%.
Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana.
