On Tuesday 15th October 2024, the Food Security and Sustainable Development (FSSD) Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Flory Larue, met with members of the Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA) to gain insights into the management of the Providence Landfill. The LWMA delegation was comprised of CEO Mr. Shane Amelie, Deputy CEO Mr. Rahul Mangroo, Senior Landfill Officer, and the Principal Secretary of Environment Mr. Denis Matatiken. Accompanying the Chair was Hon. Clifford Andre, Hon. Adelaide, Hon. Norbert Loizeau, and Hon. John Hoareau. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Mrs. Gillian Samson, and Assistant Committee Secretary Ms. Cosette Songoire.
Discussions on the policies and procedures undertaken by LWMA took place, as well as an in-depth explanation of the various types of waste that may be disposed at the Landfill site. The delegation then discussed the recent fires and the manner in which they are attempting to mitigate the reoccurring problem. Additionally, the major concern of sludge transportation from Indian Ocean Tuna (IOT) was discussed, with CEO Amelie noting that LWMA had convened numerous meetings with IOT on the potential ways of proceeding if they are unable to transfer the sludge to the dumpsite.
One of the proposed alternatives was the conversion of sludge into compost. The CEO also briefly discussed plans for future developments including a landfill buffer zone and a prototype project on La Digue.
At the end of the fruitful meeting, Hon. Larue thanked the LWMA team for their continued collaboration with FSSD and noted that the proposed future site visits would benefit both parties in terms of development and cooperation.
