Kupferberg landfill nears capacity

Windhoek mayor Queen Kamati has revealed that the Kupferberg landfill site is nearing its full capacity, a situation exacerbated by rapid municipal growth and an increase in waste generation by residents. Speaking at the official opening of the City of Windhoek stakeholders engagement workshop on EU-funded projects Wednesday morning, Kamati disclosed that the landfill has approximately three years' worth of general airspace remaining at the current rate of consumption, with only two years' worth of space available for hazardous waste.

In light of this, the City council faces the pressing task of committing an estimated N$308 million to extend the landfill's lifespan. This revelation came as Kamati emphasized the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions, given the growing strain on the landfill.

The workshop, which focused on improving solid waste management through EU-funded projects, also highlighted the Waste Buy-Back Centre recently inaugurated in Katutura. EU ambassador Ana-Beatriz Martins to Namibia, addressing the event, emphasized the importance of the EU's partnership with Namibia, which began in April 2021 with a N$44 million project aimed at transforming waste into valuable resources and promoting a circular economy.

"The Waste Buy-Back Centre is a tangible result that brings together local authorities, civil society, and the private sector to foster a culture of recycling at the community level," Martins stated. Despite its scheduled opening in July, the center has experienced delays due to procurement and staffing issues, with operations now expected to commence next month.

Concerns were also raised during the workshop regarding the remuneration of residents who use the center. While Kamati announced that residents would be compensated with food coupons, the City of Windhoek clarified that payments would be made through either food coupons and electronic fund transfers (EFT) to ensure a cashless system and reduce crime.