Waste recycling plant in the making

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

A GUY$30 million recycling plant is to be built in Guyana when the land is provided by the government, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported on Monday.

“The ministry is currently seeking the appropriate land space and once approved by Cabinet, work will start immediately,” said the state-run entity.

A memorandum of understanding was Monday signed between the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and Natural Globe Incorporated.

Believed to be the first recycling plant to be established in Guyana, the entity will include  five transfer stations in Region Four-three on the East Coast of Demerara and two on the East Bank Demerara. “Every household will also be provided with differently coloured containers to recycle their waste,” said GINA.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, during brief remarks at the signing of the MOU, said the Region Four project complements what has already been done. He highlighted that once completed, the project would 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 regards 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 that this approach will ultimately be rolled out across the country.

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 experience 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.