NSWMA and JICA sign MoU to expand compost facility

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Co-operation  Agency (JICA) to fund the expansion of a compost facility as part of efforts to pursue the conversion of solid waste to energy.

This was disclosed by  Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Noel Arscott, during his contribution to the 2012/13 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 26.

Mr.  Arscott said the agreement will entail the provision of machinery and equipment valued  at US$400,000, with the initiative expected to yield some 200 jobs.

Emphasising  that it cannot be “business as usual”, Mr. Arscott said it is imperative that the nation embrace “proven technology to develop waste to energy”. He added that this will reduce the country’s high oil import bill and “our large and unwieldy waste footprint,” while providing sustainable jobs.

“In that regard, and because we are practising joined-up government, Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister  (Hon. Phillip) Paulwell and I have established an Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the management of waste disposal and waste energy development,” he informed.

Mr. Arscott further advised that details of  “expressions of interest” from investors in developing waste management sorting centres and creating waste to energy plants in at least three urban centres, would be disclosed during the course of the current fiscal year.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter