A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MOU) was yesterday signed between the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and Natural Globe Incorporated, which will see Guyana’s first solid waste recycling plant being installed in Region 4, to ensure improved solid waste management.Over the years, Government has been working assiduously with the local democratic organs to address the issue of solid waste management across the country.
This $30M recycling investment will seek to address that issue and will see five transfer stations being installed in the region, three on the East Coast of Demerara, and two on the East Bank of Demerara. Every household will also be provided with differently coloured containers to recycle their waste.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, during brief remarks at the signing which was held at the ministry’s boardroom, said he was pleased to be a part of such a significant event which addresses the issue of solid waste. He said that over the years, government has ensured that immense regard and respect were given to the laws of Guyana in terms of solid waste.
Support was given to the entities responsible for solid waste management, including collection and disposal to execute their mandates, and providing the required services necessary to ensure a clean environment.
Unfortunately, Minister Persaud said there were some challenges and government had to intervene by implementing several projects to deal with the issue.
He added that the Region 4 project complements what has already been done, and highlighted that once completed, the project will assist in reducing clogged drains in the city that result in flooding during the rainy season. This, he said, is still a work in progress.
The minister was optimistic that with the proper public awareness and citizens’ education with regard to recycling, waste will be placed in the containers provided, after which the bins will be cleared, taken to the transfer station and eventually reach the recycling plant. He said this approach will ultimately be rolled out across the country.
The ministry is currently seeking the appropriate land space and once approved by Cabinet, work will start immediately.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, expressed satisfaction with the company’s proposal and stated that the ministry was looking forward to working and using some of the company’s experiences to further deal with solid waste management. He urged the company to deliver in a timely manner.
This project was also supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministries of Finance, Housing, Agriculture and Public Works, among others.
(GINA)
