NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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