Debate No. 39 of 04.11.03
Solid Waste Management - Incineration Project

(No. B/793) Dr. S. Chady (Second Member for Port Louis Maritime & Port Louis East) asked the Minister of Environment whether Government has now given up the incineration option as part of its strategy concerning solid waste management.

The Minister of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & Shipping (Mr G. Lesjongard): Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I shall reply to this question.

In reply to a PNQ on Tuesday 04 November 2003, I informed the House of the various components of the new National Solid Waste Management Strategy approved by Government in April 2002. One of the components of the strategy relates to the setting up of an incinerator/landfill/hazardous waste complex in the west.

However, prior to the implementation of the project, a feasibility study has to be carried out.

Accordingly, in July 2003, Carl Bro International was appointed to provide consultancy services on the setting up of the waste complex and to make recommendations on the most appropriate disposal options, including findings of the site investigations, financial and economic analysis.

A first draft feasibility report has been submitted recently and is currently being examined before finalisation of the report by the Consultants.

Government will take a decision on the incineration option on the basis of the recommendations made in the final report.

Dr. Chady: I am glad to hear that the incineration process will be looked into. I would like to ask the hon. Minister if the other hazardous waste, medical waste etc. will be included in the strategy as there is a problem presently concerning certain waste like asbestos which cannot be disposed of?

Mr Lesjongard: Yes, Mr Speaker, Sir, this is included in the National Waste Strategy Plan.

Keywords: solid waste, National Solid Waste Management Strategy, incineration,