Plastic waste remains a global challenge. Across the world, several efforts have gone into managing this canker which has grave and far-reaching consequences for the environment. Attempts at militating the effects of plastic waste, while encouraging and pushing for the need to recycle waste have been far and few between. There is therefore the need to find innovative yet sustainable solutions to this menace to save the planet.
Well, the good news is, a YALI Accra RLC alumnus has taken a giant step in reducing Accra’s waste menace one step at a time. Makafui Awuku has outdoored Accra’s first bus shelter made from recycled plastic waste. The Dzorwulu Bus Shelter, made from waste beams, recovered chale wote (flip flops), used car tires and gallons and bottle tops, is located at the Dzorwulu junction, along Ghana’s N1 highway.
The 24-feet wide shelter has three sitting compartments capable of seating 16 adults. Commuters who use the public shelter get to charge their phones and listen to the radio while waiting to join the next bus. The shelter has a solar powered roof that provides power to a USB charging port and radio.
According to Makafui, the project employed over 10 women along the value chain. In all, 700kg of plastic waste was recycled to create Accra’s most innovative and sustainable bus shelter. The construction of the bus shelter aimed at exploring the use of plastic beams as a viable and innovative alternative for wood and other materials in the construction sector.
At the launch of the bus shelter, Makafui indicated that he initiated the project to, among other things, “showcase recycling innovations as we change the narrative for Ghana and Africa, while exploring sustainable ways of keeping plastic waste out of the environment”.
He added that he plans to “fabricate and install more of these shelters in the city, the country and on the continent as we push plastic innovations into everyday life”.
Makafui Awuku is a member of Team Sankara, winners of the Dow / YALI Accra RLC Design Challenge in Sustainable Waste Management and a winner of the third call of the YALI Alumni Innovation Fund (YAIF).
The Dzorwulu Bus Shelter was made possible by Geodrill Ghana, Ayawaso Wugon Municipal Assembly, Academic City University College, Pyramid Recycling, Caveman Watches, AB Solar Africa, Grey Box and Yielding Accomplished African Women.