DILI, 20 march 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Council of Ministers, on wednesday, approved US$1.88 million to support waste collection activity in Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili.
The purpose of this decision is to promote coordination between the various ministries and public entities, especially those responsible for the environment and state administration, to achieve the objectives of this support, as well as to determine the completion of the necessary procedures for approving and financing these operations, up to a maximum amount of US$1.88 million.
“The Government recognizes the urgent need to combat waste, including marine waste, through various actions such as raising awareness, cleaning up beaches and coastal areas, and other initiatives to monitor, control, reduce, and mitigate waste,” said in a statement.
Many hoped that the US$1.88 million would contribute to combating waste, especially, the plastic carry bags which continue to dot Dili even as a ban on their sale has been in force for a while now.
In march 2020, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Council of Ministers, approved Decree-Law 37/2020 on the prohibition of the sale, import, and production of plastic bags and other plastics in Timor-Leste. However, Illegal traders continue to stock plastic bags and sellers also continue to supply them to their customers on request.
The Decree-Law 37/2020 aimed to prevent and reduce the impact of waste on the environment, mainly focusing on single-use plastic products. The Decree-Law provides for the prohibition of the disposal, import, and production of non-recyclable plastic products and the prohibition of the acquisition, distribution, import, and production of certain plastic objects. The Decree Law also provides for the establishment of the following fundamental principles: precaution, prevention, sustainable development, global environmental security, polluter pays, reuse and recycling, and energy recovery.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
