- Many public spaces have become an eye-sore due to careless dumping of solid waste.
- The devolved unit targets to develop policy regulations and bylaws for solid waste management by 2024.
Image: SOLOMON MUINGI
Taita Taveta has launched the County Solid Waste Strategy in a move set to pave the way for relocation of the Chakareli dumping site.
The project, which is funded by UN Habitat, through the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) will ensure the dumping site is relocated before the end of the year, thus signalling a relief to residents bordering the county's largest dumpsite.
Chakareli residents have for years been calling for relocation of the dump site to avoid health hazards caused by toxic smoke emanating from there.
They said careless dumping of solid waste in the area poses health risks to residents.
Efforts to have the site moved from the Voi- Mwatate road, which is densely populated, have failed before.
However, Governor Andrew Mwadime now says the strategy will enable the county to collect 50 per cent and 80 per cent of municipal solid waste generated in the county by 2025 and 2032 respectively.
He said the strategy is pivotal in achieving a circular economy by converting waste to wealth and creating employment. The county targets to create over 1,000 jobs in the recovery value chain in the next three years.
“We will support groups that engage in the business of sorting and recycling of plastic and glass waste among others, as we seek proper ways to discard e-waste, which is highly hazardous,” Mwadime said during the launch at Chakaleri on Wednesday.
He said employment will positively contribute to reduction of cases of drug abuse in this area.
Collection and transportation, recovery and circular economy, Mwadime said, are among seven components earmarked to streamline the solid waste management.
Other components highlighted in the strategy are disposal, financial sustainability, inclusive participation and data monitoring.
The governor noted that a waste recovery plant will be established in the area to ensure efficient waste management. The management will be spearheaded by municipal boards of the newly created Voi and Taveta municipalities.
“The installation of a waste recovery plant should now follow with building reliable water infrastructure and public institutions around this area. We are working with JKP to implement the project,” he said.
The county boss said the devolved unit targets to develop policy regulations and bylaws for solid waste management by 2024.
Image: SOLOMON MUINGI
JKP economic development secretariat CEO Emmanuel Nzai said the economic bloc will continue collaborating with the county government and is exploring opportunities towards attaining its blueprint.
He said they are targeting to create jobs in the area through capitalising on opportunities in waste management, agriculture and the blue economy among others.
“The regional economic bloc was set to ensure steady development in the coastal region. We are therefore partnering with development agencies to ensure we explore the opportunities,” Nzai said.
The County Environment executive Grantone Mwandawiro said solid waste management in the county is one of the most pressing and pertinent issues for which a solution needs to be urgently found.
He observed that many public spaces have become an eye-sore due to careless dumping of solid waste.
At least 70 per cent of solid waste in the county remains uncollected from an approximately 200 tons of waste generated daily.
Out of the 200 tons, Mwandawiro said, only 56 tons get to the county’s two dumpsites in Chakaleri (38 tons) and Riata (18 tons).
The executive assured residents that they will be given priority upon completion of the facility.
He said Community Based Organisations, youth groups and any other relevant groups in the society will be integrated in the project to help avert the waste management menace.
Further, he said the environment department has embarked on community sensitisation on matters of waste and wealth in it.
-Edited by SKanyara