Rwanda unveils its first e-waste recycling plant

KIGALI, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Monday launched its first e-waste recycling and dismantling facility aimed at saving the country from environmental hazards and contribute to economic development and green job creation.

The facility located in Bugesera District, Eastern Province, will provide a lasting solution for electronic and electrical waste while preventing a negative impact of electronic waste on human health and the environment.

In April 2014, the Rwandan government through Green Fund initiative allocated about 1.5 million U.S. dollars in establishing the e-waste recycling facility under the country's National E-Waste Management Strategy.

The strategy includes a national framework for e-waste recycling, a country wide collection scheme with incentives and the establishment of a dismantling facility which will be connected to sustainable recycling industries on a national, regional and international level.

The e-waste facility is testament to Rwanda's clear vision of clean and green growth for its development, said Rwandan minister of environment Vincent Biruta at the launch held at the plant.

The plant will recycle all electronic gadgets that have been posing a serous threat to Rwanda's environment, said Biruta.

Other than safeguarding the environment, the plant is expected to save government billions of francs once e-Waste materials are dismantled and recycled for reuse, according to the minister.

The plant will help the country conserve the environment while creating thousands of green jobs and as well as contributing to the reduction of risks from electronic hazardous materials affecting human health and environment, said Rwandan minister of trade and industry Vincent Munyeshyaka.

Earlier in the day, Rwanda launched Green Growth Week, a series of events bringing together policy makers and practitioners to share experiences on green growth and climate resilient development. Enditem