Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) have commenced a collaborative awareness campaign about the collection and disposal of electronic waste.
As part of this initiative, refuse bins will be placed in each of the 61 Airtel stores nationwide.
On Wednesday’s campaign launch, Elliot Kabalo, Manager of Standards and Electronic Networks for the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) expressed his satisfaction with Airtel’s efforts to raise awareness and collect electronic waste throughout the company’s customer service centres.
“We are very happy to be here to witness Airtel launch their campaign in a bid to help with collecting the electronic waste from the community. We hope that the communities can take advantage of your drop-off points in your stores to deposit any old and unused phones, kettles and even television sets,” Kabalo said.
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Environmental protection: A top priority
Martin Jowi, the director of supply chain at Airtel, stated that environmental protection was a priority that required everyone’s attention and could not be compromised.
“Our ambition, through our very elaborate Sustainability Policy, is to address and minimise the impact of our operations on the environment,” Mr Jowi said. This is critical for the world we live in and as we know Electronic Waste contains toxic substances and it is for this reason that when a product is totally unusable or even broken, instead of just being thrown in bins, it is important that a certified e-waste haulier or recycler picks up the waste to manage it in an environmentally accepted manner.”
“We have challenged our staff for the next 7 days to bring all their old and dysfunctional electronic gadgets with a surprise prize for the team that brings the most e-waste,” he added.
Customers and the general public can deposit their electronic waste in the drop-off boxes located in each of the 61 Airtel locations nationwide. Airtel will pick up the waste and forward it to the appropriate location for safe disposal.