Breathing new life into Indawgyi through improved waste management
In a world where environmental issues often seem overwhelming, a small group in the ILWS has zeroed in on a pressing concern faced by locals every day—waste management.
For the Indawgyi Social Development Association (ISDA), the transformative movement it has started is already taking root. Supported by the SGP, ISDA launched a campaign to raise awareness and boost local participation in solid waste management, addressing a problem that impacts the community’s health and the natural beauty of Indawgyi Lake.
One of ISDA’s most innovative contributions has been the introduction of HandyPods—a natural, eco-friendly water treatment system. These systems, crafted with local materials, filter wastewater effectively, reducing sewage discharge into the lake. To date, there are 117 toilets and sanitation systems installed across nine villages.
Beyond the tangible improvements in sanitation and waste management, the HandyPods have become the heart of a broader awareness campaign. This initiative encourages communities to explore effective sanitation systems, discover better alternatives, and actively participate in waste management efforts. Through workshops and outreach activities, ISDA has empowered villagers and students across 12 villages and enhanced their understanding of plastic waste management.
“Thanks to the ACB project, our operations are now more efficient than before,” said Tin Moe Aung, Chairperson, ISDA. “Previously, only one or two villages could benefit from these improvements, but now every village around the lake can participate.”
