Socio-Economic And Environmental Development Solutions (SEEDS)

Nov 12, 2015

Africa, Barotseland, Charity, Charity in Zambia, Donate to, environment, Socio-Economic, trash in Africa, Western Province

: Napping on the trash can in Mosi-O-Tuna NP

: Keep plastic out of wild life (Photo: Courtesy of Chris Jordan)

Even in North America there are many people who have not heard of “Adopt A Road” but we are going to start the program in Barotseland Africa.

In August 2015 Socio-Economic And Environmental Development Solutions (SEEDS) authorized staff to organize and implement an Adopt-a-road program as a public service program for volunteers to pick up litter along certain Regional rights-of-way. It is a way for environmentally conscientious citizens, community and civic organizations, private business and industry to contribute to a cleaner environment and a more beautiful Regional road system.

Under the program, groups and individuals agree to adopt a section of Regional right-of-way and keep it clean. In addition to the satisfaction gained by providing a cleaner environment, the volunteers are recognized by a sign erected by the Region acknowledging their efforts. We are still in the process of organizing and making the signs but will keep you posted with our results. Thank you to all of the (SEEDS) volunteers all in Toronto, Mongu, Kalabo, Kaoma and Lusaka.

Volunteer’s Responsibilities

Volunteers participating in the Adopt-a-Road Program agree to:

Appoint or select an authorized group representative to act on behalf of the group
Ensure that the authorized representative attends a safety meeting provided by the Region and in turn provides annual safety training to volunteers of his organization
Pick up litter, a minimum of three (3) times per year to maintain a clean right-of-way
Collect litter only from the adopted right-of-way section
Notify the Region prior to each clean-up
Utilize all appropriate safety equipment as provided by the Region and follow the safety rules contained in the agreement

Safety Guidelines for Adopt-a-Road Volunteers

Think Safety

There are a few simple rules worth remembering when it comes to safety working along the roadway. These rules must be reviewed by all volunteers before each clean-up session.

Volunteers Must

Receive annual safety training prior to the first pick-up of the year and review safety rules before each clean-up.
Be at least 12 years old.
Provide at least one adult (19 years or older) supervisor for each 5 workers.
Always wear a Region approved safety vest.
Display the “road work” sign before starting the clean-up.
Carpool to minimize the number of vehicles at the worksite and always disembark from the vehicles to the side adjacent to the ditch.
Park parallel to the road and as far off the travelled portion as possible.
Park vehicles on the same side of the roadway as the volunteers.
Pick up litter during daylight hours only.
Flag hazardous and unidentifiable items for pick-up by Regional staff.
Stay clear of any maintenance of construction operations and equipment.
Stay clear of any water hazards.
Discontinue work in inclement weather.
Close the “road work” sign when finished the litter pick-up.

Volunteers Must Not

Disembark from vehicles until the “road work” sign has been displayed.
Walk or pick up litter on the pavement, shoulder, or in the median.
Work on bridges, overpasses, steep ground, or in tunnels.
Touch or pick up hazardous items or anything that cannot be identified.
Wear clothing or display material that might distract motorists.
Use or possess illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages before or during the clean-up.
Step or jump on trash bags.

Safety

Stay mentally alert at all times.
Wear protective footwear and gloves.
Wear light-coloured clothing that covers arms and legs.
Wear a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat and sun-screen lotion.
Drink lots of fluids while you work, especially on hot, humid days.
Be aware of any special needs of fellow volunteers (i.e. Medical).
Avoid over exertion.
Stay alert for and avoid hazardous plants (i.e. poison ivy) and stinging insects.
Keep an adequate supply of flags and trash bags on hand.

In Case of Emergency