By Kai Malloy
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has announced the commencement of an 18-month funded partnership with WasteAid, tasked with supporting the development of waste management strategy in The Gambia’s Greater Banjul Area.
Home to 26 per cent of the Gambian population, the GBA currently lacks comprehensive waste management systems, according to CIWM. WasteAid states that the project will see the charity engaging with a host of stakeholders to ‘progress the delivery of sustainable waste management capacity, develop skills among the professional community and support the transition to a circular economy through education, training and investment.’
Whilst the partnership is the first of its kind for CIWM, and should assess whether its response to country-specific needs is targeted and relevant, WasteAid has been operating in The Gambia since 2015. It has historically collaborated with a network of government, private sector and community-based organisations working within sustainable waste management, though this coalition should see the charity head the formation of a fully-fledged circular economy complex for the first time.
According to the two organisations, the scheme will see the delivery of training and events throughout the region, as well as the roll-out of a mentoring programme between CIWM members in the UK and The Gambia. WasteAid also claims that it will be running a challenge for grassroots circular economy innovations and developing a sustainable waste and recycling system that ‘includes livelihood opportunities for 30 vulnerable people’.
Ceris Turner-Bailes, WasteAid CEO, commented: “We are sincerely grateful to CIWM for supporting WasteAid’s work in The Gambia. This project complements our previous recycling projects by helping develop a shared vision for sustainable resource management and a circular economy on a regional and national level. CIWM’s involvement means we can also leverage knowledge sharing and mentoring opportunities to drive best practice and promote professional standards in waste management.”
Sarah Poulter, CIWM CEO, said: “Sustainable waste management is a global social responsibility and a core element of the CIWM’s ambition to move to a world beyond waste. The decision to support WasteAid’s work in The Gambia is underpinned by the country’s genuine desire to better manage the waste it produces and develop a more circular economy.
“We’re excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on people’s lives and are committed to helping educate and inspire the local professional community. In doing so there is the opportunity to dramatically improve resource efficiency and create an environment where circular strategies can flourish.”
