Plastic waste, a growing problem in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, mostly comes from consuming beverages in plastic bottles. But now, a better way to dispose of the waste has been devised.

CGTN’s Hillary Ayesiga reports.

It takes about 45 minutes to turn plastic into pavers. The makers said they are durable and waterproof.

Plastic paving stones are increasingly becoming a top choice for builders. Those who have used them said it’s a much cheaper option to ordinary concrete paving stones.

“The beauty with these pavers is that they do not break easily but the concrete pavers break when building,” said Everest Tumwebaze, builder.

Environmentalists have also welcomed the initiative, but said more needs to be done.

“This initiative is very good for us because we are getting rid of plastic waste. We really hope and pray that our government enforces the banning of plastic waste so that the future generation inherits a sustainable environment,” Paul Ssenkungu, environmentalist said.

In neighboring Kenya, the government has banned plastics. But although Uganda has passed its own rule against plastic, it has not yet implemented the ban.

Lax enforcement means most drainage channels in Kampala City get clogged with plastics. This causes occasional flash floods in the city whenever it rains. This initiative could provide a solution. However, limited technology is still holding back the makers.

For young entrepreneurs, the booming local construction industry is a huge opportunity to pave the way to a sustainable construction business.