Big businesses focus on Solid waste management

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in collaboration with Guyenterprise, today held a Corporate workshop to educate various stakeholders of their role in solid waste management (SWM).       This is part of the Ministry’s public awareness and community participation component of the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme (GSWMP).

The key purpose of the workshop held at Georgetown club, Camp Street was to allow stakeholders to discuss how they plan to become involved in this initiative and to discuss and share ideas on the solid waste management.

There were presentations on the GSWMP, community participation and public awareness and presentations from various stakeholders.

The GSWMP was launched in February, 2007 to the tune of US$18,070,000. This was the result of an agreement with the Ministry and the Inter American Development Bank (IDB). Its goal is to put initiatives and mechanisms in place to enhance and modernise the way in which Guyana deals with solid waste management.

Oliver Insanally, representative of Guyenterprise highlighted that the community participation and public wariness component was designed to educate the public on their roles in solid waste management, through various means.

The session entailed very detailed discussions on SWM and possible solutions. Clinton Urling President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry proposed that composting facilities be established at the Landfill. This will help to create natural fertiliser that can be made from waste products on a large scale and can be retailed to the private sector, hence creating a source of revenue.

He also suggested that a Central Coordinating Agency be set up to host meeting and discussions between representatives of the stakeholder groups on matters regarding SWM.

David Fernandes, representative of Bounty Farm Ltd. highlighted that the discussions are merely the first stage, and the work begins when stakeholders and governmental bodies become involved, setting an example for the common citizens.

Pat Bacchus, Chief Operating Officer of Caribbean Container Inc., (CCI) highlighted that the company has been manufacturing environmentally friendly products for many years. It produces corrugated boards and ‘eco paks’ (biodegradable food packaging). She added the company is offering to buy cardboard for recycling from local businesses.

The gathering also explored the possibility of placing large containers across the city to aid in the disposal of garbage and to also have the collection trucks pick up the garbage on a more regular basis especially for the upcoming Christmas season.