In a bid to combat the rising tide of plastic pollution along the Osu beach, fishermen in the coastal community have taken matters into their own hands, resorting to burying tons of plastic waste at the shores. This unconventional approach is a desperate response to the lack of waste disposal infrastructure in the area, as residents grapple with the detrimental effects of pollution on their environment.
Residents of Osu have long struggled with pollution, specifically plastic and paper waste littering the coastline. While not all of the litter is the responsibility of the fishermen, they argue that the unattended plastic waste poses a serious threat to their livelihood.
In an effort dubbed the “clean revolution,” the fishermen have come together to bury the waste they find along the shore. One frustrated fisherman, Patrick Lokko, highlighted their challenges, including limited finances that prevent them from accessing waste collection services. As a result, burying the waste becomes their only viable solution, at least for now.
Plastic waste, known for its non-biodegradable nature, can persist in the environment for centuries, causing harm to marine life, damaging soil, contaminating groundwater, and posing significant health risks. Despite the drawbacks of their burial method, the fishermen believe it is a necessary temporary measure due to the lack of waste disposal infrastructure in the area.
Michael Dogberfu, another fisherman, emphasized the impact of plastic waste on their livelihoods. While acknowledging that burying plastic waste is not an ideal practice, he noted that it is the best they can do under the circumstances. However, their efforts face a recurring challenge as the buried rubbish resurfaces over time.
Amidst this struggle, there is a glimmer of hope as individuals take it upon themselves to profit from the tons of plastic waste resurfacing on the beaches. These eco-entrepreneurs collect discarded plastic bottles and sell them to specific companies for recycling and processing, contributing to a sustainable solution.
Despite their innovative approach, the fishermen are appealing to the government for resources to establish proper waste disposal infrastructure. Their plea aims to ensure that the waste collected at the seashore is dealt with in an environmentally friendly manner, fostering a cleaner and healthier coastal environment for both residents and marine life. As the Osu community battles against the plastic tide, their plea echoes the urgent need for comprehensive waste management solutions to preserve their livelihoods and the ecological balance of their beloved coastline.
