One of Myanmar’s most popularly respected civil society organisations, the Yangon-based Free Funeral Services Society, has unveiled plans for a waste collection service to operate throughout the nation.
The society’s vice-chair, Daw Than Myint Aung, said on May 6 that the scheme would begin in Yangon’s outer North Dagon Township before expanding to other townships in the commercial capital and eventually throughout the country.
Daw Than Myint Aung unveiled the plan at a seminar on environmental conservation held at the society’s headquarters in Yangon.
The society was last involved in waste collection in May 2013 at locationsin Yangon such as Pansodan Jetty, KyauktadaTownship and the Ah Wine bus stop in North Okkalapa Township, she said.
”Last year when we tried to collect rubbish, the Yangon City Development Committee prevented us from doing so and said they would be doing the job within a few months, but one year on, they are still not doing their job,” Daw Than Myint Aung said.
“We do not intend to insult the government; we know the government cannot do everything,” said the society’s secretary, Daw Myint Myint Khin Pe.
“We merely wish to assist the government and motivate the community to also co-operate towards a better environment. We are already in negotiations to cooperate with ward and quarter administrators,’ Daw Myint Myint Khin Pe said.
Since the society was founded on January 1, 2001, it has provided more than 120,000 free funerals for the needy, regardless of their religion, ethnic background or means.
It also provides health care and support services for the needy.
