This week, it emerged that a local investor is set to construct a $3 million plant to recycle single-use plastics into construction materials including pavers. The move is in line with Rwanda’s decision to ensure a sustainable management of PET single-use plastics. While the government banned single use plastics from 2019, some plastics like PET bottles are still being used because of a shortage of alternatives with investors urged to intervene in their sustainable management. Single use plastics include PET bottles, plastic straws, spoons, knives, plastic bags, and plastic packaging material. PET means Polyethylene terephthalate which means PET plastics are non-biodegradable posing threats to the environment. In the same week, a local telco, MTN Rwanda launched Project Zero as a way of committing to net zero emissions by 2040, in order to contribute to a sustainable future. Kick starting the initiative, the telecommunication company introduced 10 electric cars to its fleet. The Telco follows in the heels of IHS, the largest telecommunications infrastructure provider in the country, which earlier this year acquired Electric making it the first corporate company to have a fleet of electric vehicles. These are examples of how it is possible for private sector players to commit to the use of cleaner energy, with impacts such as the carbon emissions. The example can be emulated by other private sector players and incorporated in the short to medium term plans and expenditure. In the National Strategy for climate change and low carbon development, Rwanda committed to address the challenge of climate change and reduce greenhouse gasses, and aims at being a developed, climate-resilient and low-carbon economy by 2050. Among ways the government can speed this up is through incentives for firms and corporations who roll out such moves such as tax rebates among others. The early adopters will set out a path for others to follow suit
