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Musamba Primary School Honoured During Plastic Free July Celebrations

17th July 2025, Chilanga. In a display of continued community partnership and environmental activism, Chilanga Cement Plc honoured Musamba Primary School at a Prize Giving Ceremony held today, to commemorate Plastic Free July. The event recognised the school’s outstanding achievements in plastic waste segregation and environmental education, supported by Chilanga Cement’s ECO Unit, Manja Pamodzi, and local government leaders.

 

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Chai Jianping, Chief Executive Officer at Chilanga Cement, in a speech read on his behalf by Ezron Lesa, the Chief Financial Officer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the company incorporates non-recyclable plastic waste into its cement kilns as an alternative fuel source. “Sustainability is one of our core values. Through our ECO Unit brand and community-based partnerships, we are creating a tangible impact by promoting a circular economy, one that reduces waste, values resources, and protects our environment.”

 

Since the initiative’s inception, Chilanga Cement and its partners have helped divert over 4.5 tons of plastic waste from the environment across several schools in the district. This includes the donation of waste bins and school supplies to support learning and waste segregation efforts.

 

And the Guest of honour, Honourable Sipho Hlazo, Member of Parliament for Chilanga Constituency, commended the learners for their role as environmental stewards, stating, “By teaching our children the value of environmental stewardship, we are planting seeds of responsibility, innovation, and change that will benefit future generations. You are not just winners, you are environmental ambassadors.”

 

Plastic pollution continues to pose a significant threat to public health and the natural environment in Chilanga and across Zambia. However, through collaborative efforts and grassroots education, Musamba Primary School has demonstrated that change is possible, collecting, sorting, and repurposing plastic waste as part of an innovative school-wide initiative.

 

Chilanga District Acting Commissioner, Maureen Chilende, echoed the call to action, encouraging households and institutions in the district to adopt waste separation practices and support local recycling industries. “When we separate recyclables at the point of generation, we reduce landfill waste, cut management costs, and build a green economy. This event is not just a celebration, it is a reminder of what is possible when communities work together.”

                                     

Over the past month, Musamba learners engaged in environmental-themed competitions, including drama, spelling bees, and quizzes, all centered on plastic pollution and sustainability. Classes with the highest plastic and paper collection rates were awarded during the ceremony, while participants showcased their knowledge and creativity to guests in attendance.

 

Claire Chibesakunda, Head of the ECO Unit at Chilanga Cement, celebrated the school’s milestone, noting that “Real change begins at the grassroots. The efforts of Musamba, alongside Chilanga and Parklands Primary, show us that when we equip learners with knowledge and tools, they become powerful agents of environmental change.”

 

As the Plastic Free July campaign continues across Zambia and the world, the event at Musamba Primary School serves as a shining example of environmental action, community collaboration, and corporate responsibility.

 

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Gift Danga (Mr.)  

Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager  

Tel: +260211 367 561  

zambia.communication@huaxincem.com