USAID PLASTIC RECYCLING PROJECT KICKED OFF ITS NEW PHASE IN OHRID

On June 19, 2008, at the City Square, the USAID Plastic Recycling Project kicked off the Municipal PET Collection Program in Ohrid.

In the four pilot municipalities, the signing ceremonies to kick off the Municipal PET Collection Program were private events but in Ohrid, for the first time, the signing ceremony was open to the public. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Municipality of Ohrid, represented by Mayor Aleksandar Petreski and the USAID Plastic Recycling Project, represented by Chief of Party Arijan Toska and USAID/Macedonia Mission Director Patricia Rader.

In her speech, Patricia Rader said “Today, we will initiate our cooperation with the Ohrid Municipality by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Mayor Aleksandar Petreski. This important document will oblige the Municipality, as well as our Project, to create an effective system for the collection, selection and processing of plastic waste.  But simply a system is not enough. We must try to change people’s minds, change their behavior.”  

While finalizing her speech, Mrs. Rader announced the upcoming public awareness campaign to be implemented during the high season, by the municipality, PUC “Ohridski Komunalec” and the NGO “Jagoda.” These activities will be supported by the USAID Plastic Recycling Project and will take place at various sites across the city as well as at the beaches and campsites.

“This Project is highly important for Ohrid and for its citizens, but for the new generations too. By recycling the plastic waste we will provide a healthy environment for future generations” said the Mayor of Ohrid, Aleksandar Petreski.

To conclude the Ohrid kick-off event students from PS “Vanco NIkolski” Leskoec, performed a program with strong educational messages. Dressed in yellow T-shirts branded with the image of PET-MEN, students immediately drew the attention of people in the City Square. After the performance they distributed bottle-shaped leaflets containing basic information on recycling.