The County Government of Nairobi is planning to convert the Dandora dumpsite into a recreational park after it is decommissioned.
This is prioritised in the highlights of the County Annual Development Plan 2020-2021. Previously the authorities had intentions of relocating the dumpsite but residents who earn their living from it were opposed to the move.
In mid last year Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko stated that the energy recycling plant will cost the county some Sh28 billion.
The Governor was categorical that the county was in advanced stages of awarding a contract for the construction of the plant but there hasn’t been a contract over one year later.
It is now needless to relocate the dumpsite since the plant will convert the waste into 160MW clean and renewable energy every day.
The county government is scouting for technology specifically designed for the circular model of waste management proposed by authorities but there are reports that the plant may take longer to set up.
County Executive for Environment Vesca Kangogo said on sunday that The Dandora dumpsite will still be operational but the dumpsite will be eventually decommissioned in an environmentally sound manner and later turned into a recreational park.
City Hall is planning to have two landfills at Kamukunji and Lang’ata fore waste that cannot be recycled after the phase-out of the Dandora dumpsite.
Kagogo added that Feasibility study will be done first, to get the best recommendations for a Resettlement Action Plan for families likely to be affected since the sites will be close to human settlements.
Reliable sources revealed to KB that consultations are underway with the national government and the Public-Private Partnership Unit on the best way to get an investor undertake the project.
The dumpsite in Dandira is holding close to 2 million tons of solid waste against its 500,000 tons capacity. Over 2,500 tonnes of waste is deposited at the site on a daily basis.
