EDITOR – THERE is a serious threat that Africa is faced with and if measures are not taken now it will destroy lives and the environment.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and government as they converge for the 34th SADC Summit in Victoria Falls must take time to deliberate on the issue of electronic waste commonly referred to as e-waste.
As technology rapidly progresses, phones, computers and televisions are fast becoming obsolete and replaced with newer gadgets.
The outdated devices, electronic waste, which amounts to about 53 million tonnes annually is produced, predominantly by developed nations and much of the waste is finding its way to developing countries.
These gadgets, which are finding their way into the continent, do not have a long lifespan and must soon be disposed and therein lies the problem.
Most African countries, Zimbabwe included, do not have facilities to destroy and dispose these gadgets safely.
The recycling of e-waste can cause serious health and environmental challenges.
Electronic products contain a plethora of toxic materials such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and mercury.
Locally, we mostly burn the waste with little or no protection at all and the toxic materials find their way into the air, water, and soil.
These toxins cause respiratory illnesses, birth defects, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
It is time that laws be put in place to protect life and the environment from the dangers of electronic waste.
We must not wait until there is a crisis.
Let us fix the problem before it gets out of hand because what is today cheaper, will prove costly tomorrow.

Sitheni Nleya
Braeside, Harare