The Minister of Environment, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, has announced that all expired chemicals currently stored in schools and laboratories across the country will be safely removed to prevent any potential health risks.
This move, carried out in collaboration with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), aims to protect the public, especially students, from the dangers posed by these outdated substances.
During a session with Members of Parliament on March 10, 2025, Dr. Uwamariya responded to concerns raised by lawmakers about the large quantities of chemicals that have been sitting unused in educational institutions long past their expiration dates. MPs questioned what steps the Ministry was planning to take, as these chemicals could no longer be used for their intended purposes.
In her response, Minister Uwamariya assured the MPs that this issue is already being addressed. However, she stressed that the process of removing the chemicals requires the expertise of professionals trained to handle hazardous substances, as this is not a task that can be safely managed by just anyone.
“There are many chemicals in schools and laboratories, but to remove them safely, it requires specialized experts. This is not something that can be done carelessly,” she explained.
Minister Uwamariya further clarified that some chemicals would need to be incinerated, while others may require careful handling or neutralization before disposal. The goal is to ensure that none of the chemicals harm the environment, especially the soil or water resources.
“We are working quickly to collect data on the exact quantities of these chemicals, and we will move swiftly to remove them to avoid any negative impact on human health,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
For educators like Uwanyirigira Straton, a Chemistry teacher at Kageyo Secondary School, the announcement is a relief. He shared that expired chemicals can pose serious health risks, from respiratory problems due to inhalation to the risk of fire or environmental contamination.
“Knowing that these chemicals will soon be safely removed makes us feel safer, especially for the students who could be unknowingly exposed to harmful substances. It’s great to know that action is being taken to prevent any potential health problems,” said Uwanyirigira.
He also pointed out that expired chemicals are no longer just ineffective but can become hazardous. “When chemicals go past their expiry date, they can turn toxic and pose a real danger. Just like expired medicine is discarded, these chemicals must also be safely removed from our schools and laboratories to protect everyone.”
The Ministry of Environment’s commitment to removing these expired chemicals will not only improve safety in schools and laboratories but also ensure the protection of the environment. This move highlights the importance of proper chemical disposal practices and the role of specialized experts in managing hazardous materials.
With the support of REMA and local authorities, Rwanda is taking important steps to safeguard public health and maintain a cleaner, safer environment for all.
