CMC inks agreement with Japanese Embassy

The Colombo Municipality yesterday inked an agreement with the Japanese Embassy to upgrade the fleet of waste collection trucks in Colombo, in order to develop the waste management in the city.

According to the agreement, the Municipality would receive 12 solid waste collecting trucks under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Issuing a statement, Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil said the city received 55 large compactors trucks, 20 small compactor trucks and other equipment from Japan in 1997, and the grant undoubtedly supported the progress of waste management.

“As a result of this, we were competent to commence the house-to-house collection by following route planning. We observed the progression of the city very rapidly. Hence, Colombo was listed the best City in South Asia and the 21st in Asia in 1999,” he said.

The Mayor pointed out that the fleet was aging at present and required replacement.

“Although the Municipality replaced several trucks with limited resources, it was inadequate. Therefore, we requested the Embassy of Japan to assist another grant to replace some more vehicles,” he said.

Commenting on Solid Waste Management, the Mayor said it was one of the main responsibilities of CMC.

According to the Municipality, a quantity of 700 tons of solid waste is collected per day in the city of Colombo. This consists of residential, commercial and a smaller quantity of industrial waste.

Before 1997, the Municipality had only 31 compactor trucks and limited tractors for solid waste collection.

The Embassy of Japan has agreed for the “Project for upgrading waste collection trucks in Colombo” to improve Solid Waste Management.

According to the agreement, the Municipality would receive 12 solid waste collecting trucks under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)