THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has accepted the feasibility study results conducted by a United Kingdom-registered Pragma Leaf Consulting company to set up a $68 million waste-to-energy plant, which could produce 110 000 litres of bio-diesel and 2,2 megawatts electricity, latest council minutes show.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
According to the council minutes, the acting Director of Health Services recalled on January 12, 2016 that council on April 2 2014 had resolved that Pragma Leaf Consulting be authorised to undertake a full feasibility study on the proposed waste to energy project subject.
“The acting Director of Health Services therefore recommended that the study results be accepted, authority be granted for council officials to engage Diverseflex Resources (Pvt) Limited and work out contractual arrangements (and) submit the contract document for consideration by council,” part of the minutes read.
The council showed that Pragma had completed the study and the results had indicated that waste generated in Bulawayo was sufficient for the establishment of a waste-to-energy plant.
“They therefore, intended to establish a $68 million waste to energy plant producing 110 000 litres of bio-diesel, 2,2 MW electricity and creating an employment for 120 plant operatives and further jobs in downstream industries,” the council said.
The agreement conditions stipulated that Pragma would bring additional refuse removal compactors to help improve waste collections and their operations would not use potable water as they would obtain and purify water from refuse.
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The conditions also indicate that only 5% of waste would be delivered to the landfill thus prolonging its lifespan.
“Project should be assured of 325 tonnes of waste per day and that they would need monopoly of waste generated in Bulawayo to be certain of adequate waste supplies for their operations, they would need a waste lease of 25 to 30 years,” read some of the agreement conditions.
It was also agreed that there would be no interference with BCC refuse collection but rather complement that task and Pragma Leaf would bring in additional compactors to enhance collection.
Several council departments supported the project.
