Eliminating polythene key solution to waterlogging

Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Shahadat Hossain yesterday urged port city residents to abstain from using single-use plastics, saying that a sustainable solution to the city's waterlogging problem lies in eliminating polythene.

"Plastic is the 'top enemy' of our city's environment. To fight it, we must work together," he said, launching an initiative called "Plastic Exchange Programme" jointly organised by Bidyanondo Foundation and the city corporation.

Under the initiative, residents are able to receive medical treatment and daily essentials in exchange for discarded plastic.

Around 500 people were given free medical consultations in return for plastic waste at the event.

Bidyanondo Foundation Board Director Md Jamal Uddin said, all collected plastic will be recycled in partnership with the country's renowned recycling companies.

As part of the "Plastic Exchange Programme" an exhibition of sculptures made from the collected plastic will be organised at Patenga sea beach to raise awareness among the public, including tourists, said organisers.