Chakaleri residents from Mwatate sub-county who for years have lamented the negative effects of the dumpsite will soon get a sigh of relief as the county government through the support of the Go-Blue project is set to relocate the dumpsite before the end of the year 2023.

Led by Mama Orgen residents say having an alternative garbage dumping site will cushion them from health hazards occasioned by toxic smoke emanating from the dumpsite day and night.

“With the construction of the Material Waste Recovery Facility here in Chakaleri, our youths will be employed, positively contributing to the reduction of cases of drug abuse in this area,” she added.

She was speaking at Chakaleri during the launch of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Strategy, an event presided by H.E Governor Andrew Mwadime.

According to the UN-Habitat funded strategy through the Jumuiya ya kaunti za Pwani, Taita Taveta county is set to collect 50% and 80% of Municipal Solid Waste generated in the county a day by 2025 and 2032 respectively.

Governor Mwadime said the strategy is pivotal in achieving a circular economy by converting waste to wealth.

“Take ni Mali, my administration remains keen to working with development partners in creating job employment for my residents. The installation of a waste recovery plant should now follow with building reliable water infrastructure and public institutions around this area. Am sure through JKP, this will be achieved,” Wakujaa said.

Among the components that will be used to measure and monitor the project is policy and legal framework. By 2024, Taita Taveta county targets to develop policy regulations and bylaws for solid waste management.

Wakujaa says, “with the elevation of Voi and Taveta towns to municipalities, we will operationalise municipal boards and town management to harness management of solid wastes in urban centres”.

Collection and transportation, recovery and circular economy are among seven components earmarked to streamline solid waste management as the county targets to create over 1,000 jobs in the recovery value chain by 2025.

Disposal, financial sustainability, inclusive participation and data and monitoring are other components highlighted in the strategy.

The county boss acknowledged the role played by development partners in assisting the county realise its development agenda as well as delivering quality service to residents.

“I am very grateful to UN-Habitat and the Go-Blue project for fast-tracking the establishment of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF),” he added.

Executive Committee Member in charge of Environment Grantone Mwandawiro assured residents,  "Upon completion of the facility, priority will be given to locals and plans to ensure workers operate under safe, conducive and friendly environment are on."

Present during the event was County Health Services Executive Committee Member Gifton Mkaya who expressed his utmost gratitude to the partners behind the implementation of the project saying residents will no longer be exposed to health risks.

Rong'e Ward Member of County Assembly Dorcas Mlughu said the County Assembly, having approved the relocation of the dumpsite will continue supporting the executive in implementing projects and programmes aimed at poverty alleviation and combating the effects of climate change.

Jumuiya Economic Development secretariat CEO Emmanuel Nzai said the economic bloc will continue collaborating with the county government is exploring opportunities towards attaining its blueprint.