Initiative to rid Likoma of plastic litter

Clean Likoma Initiative under the auspices of Likoma Island Conservation Foundation (LICF) on Saturday launched a Clean Village competition to make the island plastic litter-free.

“We are happy with the initiative and grateful to the young people who pioneered the initiative. Plastic littering is not only an eyesore but it also poses a danger to our environment.

“It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that all plastic materials go into bins strategically positioned in our markets, offices, schools and all villages,” said Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkumpha. during the launch at Likoma community hall ground.

The chief commended the foundation for the initiative which he said will remind communities of their responsibility to keep Likoma clean.

Clean Likoma Initiative director Sarah Bee said the drive was launched to motivate residents to be organised and committed in the disposal of plastic litter.

“We are overwhelmed with the response.

“We want every person living or visiting the island to understand that plastic littering is bad for the environment,” she said.

On his part, Clean Likoma Initiative coordinator Davie Kacholola expressed optimism that the competition will change people’s mindset.

In the competition, the cleanest village will get K100 000, the market that will demonstrate the highest standard of hygiene will get K50 000 while the cleanest household will receive K20 000.

The initiative was extended to schools to encourage learners to embrace clean practices at a young age.