Solid Waste Management program begins
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On Friday April 30th the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Beverly Castillo along with Director of the Solid Waste Management Authority, Gilroy Lewis; and other personnel from the solid waste management authority were at the old Belize City Dump site for the official launching of the solid waste management program.

Lewis told the Guardian that as of Wednesday 28 April 28th, preliminary work began in Belize City for the closing down of the existing garbage dump at mile 3 on the Western highway. The work will entail the improving of the existing site by covering up the exposed garbage to reduce the risk of fires in the area. Government is investing some 650 thousand U.S. dollars out of a total 14.78 million U.S. dollars which will see the closure of dumpsites in San Ignacio; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Caye Caulker and Belize City. The intention is to have transfer stations established at the existing dumpsites for garbage to be moved to a sanitary landfill located at mile 24 on the Western Highway where recycling and composting activities will be conducted. Lewis explains that from and environmental perspective the inadequate management of solid waste creates adverse effects to the environment, soil, water resources and also poses a health hazard.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 20th.

The Guardian