Minister H. Kowalczyk: Our task is to solve ecological problems occurring in rural areas across Poland
17.09.2019
“The issue of agricultural waste, including plastics, is becoming more and more pressing. Our hazardous waste removal programme will make the lives of residents of rural areas significantly easier,” said Minister of Environment Henryk Kowalczyk during a press conference held on 17 September 2019 in Warsaw.
According to Minister of Environment Henryk Kowalczyk, the pilot programme “Removal of Agricultural Foils and Other Agricultural Waste” carried out in 7 municipalities in Ostrów and Ostrołęka districts by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management resulted in subsidy applications for a total amount of more than 406,000 PLN.
“Due to the large amount of collected waste, the total amount was increased to more than 570,000 PLN. As a result of the activities carried out under the project, we removed more than 1156 tonnes of agricultural plastic waste, nets and twine for wrapping bales, as well as fertilizer and Big Bag type packaging,” said Minister Kowalczyk.
Piolt programme goes nationwide
“The pilot programme regarding collection and disposing of plastic packaging was very successful, which is why we decided that it will be implemented throughout the country,” the Minister announced.
“To that end, we will allocate 100 million PLN from the funds of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. We are planning to collect and dispose of at least 200,000 tonnes of waste,” he added.
590 milion PLN for improving the state of water and sewage management outside agglomerations
During the press conference, Minister Kowalczyk also talked about the priority programme of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management geared towards improving the state of water and sewage management outside agglomerations. The programme will provide loans for the construction of local sewage treatment plants for buildings, housing estates and small towns.
“The subsidies will also be available for home biological sewage treatment plants, connections to sewage systems, construction of water supply networks and creation of water intakes and water treatment plants,” said the Minister of Environment.
According to Minister Kowalczyk, these loans may be partially remitted, depending on the financial situation of the municipalities.
“Due to the very high interest in this programme, we are planning to increase its budget from 200 million PLN to 590 million PLN,” the Minister pointed out.
