A New Dawn for Waste Management in Taita Taveta County
It was a historic day for the people of Taita Taveta County as they witnessed the launch of a groundbreaking project that will transform their waste into wealth. The Chakaleri Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is a state-of-the-art facility that will sort, process, and recycle municipal solid waste, creating jobs and income for the local community while protecting the environment. The project is the brainchild of Governor Andrew Mwadime, who has made sustainable waste management and pollution control one of his top priorities.
The Governor has partnered with the European Union under the Go Blue project in Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, implemented through UN Habitat in partnership with CSUDP, to make this vision a reality. The site for the construction of the MRF was officially handed over by Grantone Mwandawiro, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Water, Sanitation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, to George Wasonga, the CEO of CSUDP. The ceremony was attended by other County officials, representatives from the National Government, and members of the public. Mwandawiro hailed the project as a game-changer for the County, saying that it will create a circular economy based on recycling. He said that the MRF will generate employment opportunities for women and youth in the waste recycling industry, as well as income for the local community. He added that the facility will also promote a greener and cleaner County by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste.
Mr. Wasonga revealed that the construction of the MRF will take four months to complete, and will be accompanied by training and capacity building for waste actors. He said that over 50 waste actors have registered with the County and expressed interest in forming an umbrella body to strengthen their work. He said that the MRF will provide them with decent working conditions and access to markets for their recycled products.
Martin Tairo, the CECM for Roads, Infrastructure, and Public Works, emphasized the importance of this project in giving the County an eco-friendly face. He said that he sees the Chakaleri MRF as a replicable model for additional facilities throughout the County. He said that his department will provide full technical support throughout the construction process.
Elizabeth Mbinga, the County Chief Officer in charge of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, emphasized the need to empower individuals involved in waste management and promote sustainable waste practices. She said that the Chakaleri MRF will serve as a catalyst for change and set a precedent for future MRFs in the County.The Chakaleri MRF is a testament to the power of collaboration between different stakeholders who share a common vision for a better future.
The project is expected to revolutionize municipal solid waste management in Taita Taveta County and set an example for other Counties to follow. It is a new dawn for waste management in Taita Taveta County.
