Residents of Mchengautuwa Township in Mzuzu are expected to heave a sigh of relief following revelations that Mzuzu City Council will start dumping waste at Nsilo Waste Management Site by December this year.
The residents have been protesting against the continued use of Mchengautuwa dumping site saying it poses a threat, especially to their children who scavenge food and other materials there.
The council failed to meet a commitment that the new site be opened by December 2012 a development that worsened tensions between the council and Mchengautuwa residents.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Mzuzu City mayor William Mkandawire said the waste management site will be ready for use by the end of the year.
He said the European Union (EU) has released funds for completion of the site.
EU earlier expressed disappointment over the standard of the fence being constructed at the site.
Said Mkandawire: “EU wanted the perimeter wall improved. It was not satisfied with the way the contractor built the wall. So, we instructed the contractor to rebuild it.”
He said the quality of the wall will also entail whether the contractor builds other structures at the site.
Mkandawire said the city is eager to see the waste management site start functioning as it will help promote sanitation as well as create jobs and businesses, but end the conflict that is there between city officials and people of Mchengautuwa.
He said the city will partner some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in sorting of waste for recycling. He said the city will also generate revenue from the site.
