The Government of Belize has proposed to implement a project to improve solid waste management practices in four municipalities of the Western Corridor of Belize (San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City and San Ignacio/Santa Elena) that will support the goals of environmental protection, natural resource conservation, and protection of public health, safety and welfare.
This project will contribute to improving the environment and protecting the public health. In addition, it will enhance the image of Belize in the eco-tourism market and strengthen the Solid Waste Management Authority of Belize as the entity responsible for improving solid waste management in the country.
The entire system for solid waste management in the Western Corridor, comprising the new infrastructure will be implemented under a Design-Build-Operate (DBO) contract, which will be required to meet both operational and environmental performance standards. The access road from Mile 24 Western Highway to the Sanitary Landfill is not part of the DBO contract.
This project specifically includes the design, construction and operation of the infrastructure works as follows:
*Closure of dumpsites at San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City and San Ignacio/Santa Elena;
*Design, build and operate transfer stations at San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City and San Ignacio/Santa Elena;
*Incorporation of recyclable material “drop-off areas” and designated areas for white goods/bulky waste and HHW at the transfer stations;
*Transportation between transfer stations and the Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill; and barging of waste from San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to the Belize Port for long haul to the Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill.
For San Pedro surveying and studying for this project commenced on Sunday, January 16 and according to Mr. Gilroy Lewis, Project Director at Belize Solid Waste Management Authority, the vicinity for the transfer station on the island will be located in the lagoon area by Consolidated Waters Ltd.
A waste/generation/composition study has been carried out so as to determine the certain type of waste that is generated on the island and based on that an enclosed building will be constructed for the transfer station and the dumpsite should be closed by January 2012. All waste will be collected and transported by barges to the Regional Sanitary Landfill located in Mile 24 on the Western Highway.
The Solid Waste Management Authority, executing agency, is staffed with qualified engineers to implement this long awaited project for the benefit of Belizeans along the Western Highway and surrounding areas. The Solid Waste Management Authority extends their assurances to the general public that they will ensure that these facilities are built to the high standards specified in the Bidding Documents, which will also be verified/validated by the funding agencies, the Construction Quality Assurance/Control Engineer, Operations Audit Firm, the DOE and a Community Advisory Group that will be formed.
