KATHMANDU: The policy validation process for solid waste management in three local bodies under the EU-supported GreenShift project has been successfully completed, officials said.
The process covered Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City and Bardibas Municipality in Madhesh Province and Lalitpur Metropolitan City in Bagmati Province, where policies were formulated for comprehensive waste management, informed Program Director Sujata Koirala of Creasion Nepal.
Project lead Santosh Kumar Magar said that, with extensive discussions supported financially and technically by the European Union, the three local bodies are expected to approve the solid waste management bills in their upcoming board meetings. The validation process is seen as a critical step to ensure effective implementation of the waste management legislation.
The policy review, discussions, and feedback collection included provisions for sustainable management of all types of waste—household, commercial, industrial, construction-related, organic, inorganic, and hazardous. It also aims to ensure occupational health and safety for sanitation workers and encourage private sector participation.
The validation process involved active participation from local representatives, municipal technical staff, private sector actors, civil society, women and youth groups, sanitation workers, and development partners.
Workshops during the process focused on topics such as source segregation, reuse and recycling, composting of organic waste, management of plastic and other inorganic waste, private sector engagement, and local implementation of circular economy concepts.
Following the policy validation, the respective local bodies have committed to finalizing the solid waste management bills and moving them toward implementation. The initiative is expected to make a significant contribution to clean cities, environmental protection, public health improvement, and creation of green jobs.
Comment