Kano and Kaduna State Governments have concluded plans to generate electricity from solid waste.
Director of Environment, Kaduna State Ministry for Environment, Malam Ahmed Salihu said that plans to generate electricity from domestic waste had gone far. He said the plan is to transform waste into huge employment opportunities.
“We have already entered into discussion with the Federal Ministry of Environment and had shown interest to partner with us to make the project a reality. The waste generation has become a major challenge to the state and we need to be taken advantage of the situation.
“The large volumes being generated daily has become a nightmare to the government, residents and even the environment as the population of the state increases. Therefore, turning the waste into energy or electricity is inevitable to save humanity and the environment,” he said.
Salihu said the Kaduna recycling plant, located along Kaduna-Abuja Highway, had reached 80 per cent completion as the needed machinery had been installed.
According to him, used plastic and nylons are being used as raw materials for the plant; this will complement government’s effort in ensuring the state is flood free during rainy season.
“This initiative will also generate revenue for the state government as recycled products will be sold to residents at a cheaper price. The plant is expected to create employment for at least 2000 youths in the state,“ he stated.
General Manager, Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), Yusuf Rigasa said 3000 tonnes of refuse were evacuated daily within the metropolis.