EZULWINI – The Eswatini Environment Authority on Thursday convened an appraisal meeting with the Portfolio Committee for the project titled Reduced Risks on Human Health and the Environment through the Reduction of POPs and UPOPs in Eswatini.
The meeting brought together lawmakers and technical experts to assess progress and strengthen oversight on efforts aimed at curbing harmful pollutants in the country.
The session was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta Simelane, and the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, who both delivered remarks on the need for coordinated action across sectors to tackle environmental and public health risks linked to hazardous chemicals. 
Project Manager Linda Mathola presented a detailed overview of the initiative, explaining the dangers posed by Persistent Organic Pollutants and Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants to ecosystems and human health. She outlined the main sources of these pollutants and the measures being implemented to reduce exposure.
Persistent Organic Pollutants are toxic chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods and can accumulate in living organisms, posing serious health risks. Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants are by products of certain industrial processes and waste burning activities.
Further input was provided by Mangaliso Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme and outlined the agency’s role in supporting the implementation of the project in Eswatini.
Members of the Portfolio Committee engaged in discussions with representatives of the Eswatini Environment Authority, raising questions and offering recommendations on strengthening policy, enforcement and community awareness.
