So that used lamps no longer pollute Antananarivo!

Posted on 29 September 2017

This is a first for the capital. Set up a system for the collection and processing compact fluorescent lamps or tubes (more commonly known as neon lamps or lowenergy lamps).

This is a first for the capital. Set up a system for the collection and processing of compact fluorescent lamps or tubes (more commonly known as neon lamps or low-energy lamps). This is the challenge launched by the Ministry of Water, Energy and Hydrocarbons and the SAMVA (Independent Maintenance Service of the City of Antananarivo) with the support of WWF.

From 2013 to 2014, an initiative to promote low energy consumption lamps, in partnership with JIRAMA, the Telma Foundation, the Ministry of Energy with the support of WWF and the World Bank was carried out Antananarivo. Paying particular attention for potential environmental impacts, the initiative planned the collection and processing of end-of-life lamps thanks to funds generated by voluntary carbon credits certified by Goldstandard.

Thus, a collection campaign began this Thursday, September 14, 2017 by raising awareness among targeted people in fokontany within the 2nd arrondissement and this Thursday, September 28, in the 1st Arrondissement. Awareness campaigns last three days per arrondissement and aim to sensitize users to use collection bins placed at each Fokontany level. Then, collected lamps will be processed at the landfill site at Andralanitra in order to extract the mercury. It is a potentially a hazardous component for the environment and harmful to human health if the lamps are broken.

"Beyond the preservation of the environment and health, we consider the collection of these economic lamps as an important first step in educating the population of Antananarivo to sort their garbage." Explains Mrs. Jocelyne, project manager of SAMVA, during the awareness campaigns.

"This initiative is very effective. Before, I threw my lamps with my domestic waste. But today I know that it pollutes the environment. Now I know it is important to separate bulbs from household waste. In addition to that, I have nothing to lose by throwing my lamps here." says Claudia, a resident of the Ambodin'Isotry.

The awareness campaign has only just begun. The SAMVA will collect the used lamps from 61 Fokontany in 6 arrondissements in the city. Let us behave like Claudia, let us bring our used lamps to the offices of our Fokontany. Rendez-vous at the 1st and 2nd arrondissement from now on, and from 19th, 20th and 21st October in the 3rd arrondissement. Bins will be soon available in other arrondissements.