Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has said that plans are underway to install a recycling plant at the Dandora dumpsite to address the garbage problem in the city
The construction of the much-awaited Sh20 billion power plant at Dandora dumpsite to help manage the thousands of tons of waste generated daily in the city will begin in June.
The county government yesterday said it is still receiving proposals from 26 shortlisted private investors that had expressed interest in the project.
“More than 60 investors had expressed interest but we shortlisted 26 and asked them to write proposal detailing the technology they have and how they intend to implement it,” Environment director David Makori said.
Makori said that the shortlisted investors have until the end of the month to submit the proposal. He said that evaluations before the tender is awarded to the best firm.
“We are looking for a firm that will offer best technology and has finances to do the work. In three months, we should be done with all the documentations,” he said.
The plant will recycle waste and use garbage to produce and supply electricity in the city.
Makori said that the plant is expected to produce 40 megawatts of clean, renewal energy per day which will be connected to the national grid.
The firm was to eliminate the need to relocate the dumpsite as it will use the mountains of waste deposited at the dumpsite as raw materials.
Governor Sonko has said that his administration will roll out projects focusing on environmental conservation such reduction in air pollution, environmentally-related diseases, increased tree cover, open spaces and general landscaping around the city.
“To achieve this, my administration is keen on a collaborative approach with other partners and governmental agencies to enforce laws and policies that will protect our environment,” he said.
“Ultimately, a long-term solution will only be achieved through an integrated solid waste management strategy and I am happy to report that Nairobi City County Government will achieve this in under five years.”
“This plant will create jobs for youths in Dandora,” he said.
Last month, Environment executive Larry Wambua said that City Hall collects only 1000 tons of garbage daily against 2500 produced.
“Waste management is a big headache for Nairobi, with a lot of our waste going into rivers, illegal dumpsites, roads and streets,” he said.
Dandora dumpsite. Tonnes of garbage are dumped there every day, industrial and medical waste such as used syringes, swabs and dressings. Over 10,000 people make a living from the garbage, scavenging for plastic, metal, glass & paper which they sell for recycling. @IgathePolycarp pic.twitter.com/3qVrAcom70
— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) January 10, 2018
The Dandora dumpsite covers more than 30 acres and receives wastes from across the capital. It was declared full in 1996 but still continues to receive the trash after several attempts to relocate it failed