CONTEXT
Without an effective waste management system, waste inevitably becomes a serious long-term health hazard. In the informal settlement surrounding Penthakata School in Puri, current waste management practices are insufficient. The rapidly growing settlement generates an estimated 10 tonnes of waste every day. Much of this waste ends up scattered across streets, beaches, and the sea, while harmful residues seep into the groundwater, posing significant health risks. To improve living conditions for the local population, Usthi has launched a waste management project in collaboration with Eawag, the aquatic research institute at ETH Zurich.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND EDUCATION
The project aims to work closely with residents of the Penthakata settlement to develop an effective waste management system, while equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to sustain it. Raising awareness is therefore a central pillar of the project’s long-term success. Going forward, topics related to waste and waste management will be integrated into the Penthakata School curriculum, alongside additional training opportunities for teachers.
To ensure the successful implementation of a comprehensive waste management strategy, Usthi is collaborating with Eawag, the municipal authorities of Puri, and the newly established Penthakata Waste Management Committee to further develop the waste collection system.
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