For the first time in Pakistan, we now have a road paved with recycled plastic. Yes, plastic! Coca-Cola Pakistan, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and National Incubation Center (NIC), has constructed a 1 km road in Islamabad using recycled plastic waste.
Pakistan’s Minister for Interior, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, inaugurated the first of its kind road near Ataturk Avenue, Islamabad.
‘World Without Plastic’ Program
The project is a part of the World Without Plastic program that aims to turn Pakistan’s plastic waste problem into a solution that serves the common man. Almost 10 tonnes of plastic waste was recycled for the first road, which cost around 21 million rupees. The plastic road is twice as durable as a normal road.
Vice President Coca-Cola Pakistan, Fahad Ashraf, said the road belongs to all Pakistanis and people who care about progress. He said this road is part of PM Imran’s vision because it provides jobs, saves the government repairs cost, and protects our environment.
Pakistan’s Plastic Waste Problem
Pakistan has the biggest plastic waste problem in South Asia. The country produces around 55 billion plastic bags every year. Out of 30 million tons of solid waste produced every year, 9% is plastic.
This is the first plastic road of Pakistan, but certainly not the last. The country is on its way to dealing with its environmental problems and turning them into solutions. The government will scale this project to other roads in rural and urban areas and national highways. If we can make this a nationwide practice, we can save our environment from plastic hazards.
I agree author, this type of development is the need of Pakistan and must be observed in all provinces