A ceremony for the construction of national landfill project was held in Aimeliik State on Friday last week.
Palau is facing challenges to manage the increasing amount of waste appropriately and minimize the impact on the environment which occur due to the tourism development.
The existing dumpsite is reaching its capacity currently, which is a critical issue for Palau in soil waste management.
The Director of Bureau of Public Works Melairei explained the details of the project.
The project costs 1.3 billion Japanese Yen which is approximately 13 million US dollars, the landfill will be constructed and heavy equipment related to waste management will be provided.
Japan International Cooperation Agency representative (JICA) Tachihara stated that JICA would continue to work with Palau in solid waste management.
Governor of Aimeliik Obak expressed his wish for the project to be a success by strongly cooperating with Palauan government and Japanese government.
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Embassy of Japan in Palau Mr.Takeshi Ogino, Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch, Paramount Chief Reklai, Speaker of House of Delegates Sabino Anastacio along with other members of Palau’s leadership attended the ceremony.
Ogino on behalf of Japanese government said, “Japan respects Palau’s efforts for environmental protection and sustainable development, and would like to collaborate closely with Palau by hoping this landfill project will contribute to Palau’s efforts.”
Japan hopes that this project will improve the sanitation environment and contribute to the environmental protection of Palau.