Timor-Leste makes a major upgrade to Solid Waste Management with the launch of the “Processing Waste into Energy” project in Díli
Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Díli, May 25th, 2015
Timor-Leste makes a major upgrade to Solid Waste Management with the launch of the “Processing Waste into Energy” project in Díli
On Friday a ceremony was held in Díli at the Tibar landfill site to launch a project that will see the transformation of Dili’s current solid waste management model. The Shun Hsin Lda Company is set to build and operate a “Plasma Furnace System” to liquefy solid waste in a process that captures recyclable materials and produces energy in the form of gas. When the plant is fully operational, it can output energy for an electricity station with 25 mega watts of capacity.
The launch of the project is a significant step in addressing waste management challenges identified in a recent assessment undertaken by the Asian Development Bank [ADB]. On average 120 tonnes of waste arrive at the Tibar landfill site each day. As Díli’s current population of over 260,000 continues to rise, and with increased development in industry, agriculture and commerce, so will the city’s production of solid waste.
The Government and in particular the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment plan to manage this challenge not only by improving the disposal of solid waste but by continuing programs aimed at educating citizens and business to reduce their production of waste as much as possible.
In his speech at the ceremony Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, H.E. Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo said “The launching of the ‘Processing waste into energy’ project meets one of the key concerns of our century, which is environmental sustainability” and pointed out “waste management is a challenge that may also present opportunities. Waste has value” he said, “In this case, it is also an opportunity in terms of economic activities that create jobs for the community.”
The project will create around 300 jobs and will focus on the training and professionalism of workers.
The Prime Minister thanked the community of Tibar for their “true spirit of citizenship” by agreeing to the construction of the waste processing industry, “thereby contributing to improve the living situation of all Timorese citizens.”
Other speakers at the ceremony on Friday included the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and the Municipal Administrator of Liquiça.
The President of Shun Hsin Lda, Mr. Lin Gi-Hsiung gave a presentation on the project to all assembled. The project is a large investment and will be guided by experienced technicians in the “Plasma Furnace System” to come from Taiwan. When the plant is operational the collection of solid waste throughout Díli will be assisted by 22 new trucks to be provided by the company.
The Spokesperson for the Government, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “a process that has health and environmental benefits, creates jobs and produces renewable energy is good news for Timor-Leste.”
