Namibia’s waste management dilemma: incinerators to the rescue?

Namibia’s waste management dilemma: incinerators to the rescue?

The importance of proper waste disposal in Namibia

Namibia, a country with a growing population and economic development, faces a significant challenge in its waste management sector. With a population of around 2.5 million, the country generates a staggering amount of waste, posing a significant threat to public health, the environment and the economy. According to the Namibian Institute of Non-Communicable Diseases, the country produces about 1.2 million tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, with a disposal rate of only about 40%. This means that a significant portion of waste goes unmanaged, contributing to environmental pollution and public health problems.

The current state of waste management in Namibia

The current waste management system in Namibia is largely inadequate and inefficient. The country has no landfills and available landfills fill up quickly. The informal sector, which comprises the majority of waste collection and disposal activities, faces many challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of resources and informal settlements. This has led to uncontrolled dumping of waste, which in turn contributes to environmental pollution, health hazards and the spread of diseases.

The need for alternative solutions: incinerators to the rescue?

Faced with this waste management crisis, the government and the private sector are looking for innovative solutions to solve the problem. One solution that is gaining attention is the implementation of incineration technology. Incinerators, also called waste-to-energy plants, have been successfully implemented in many countries to manage waste and produce energy. These facilities burn waste at high temperatures to produce electricity, steam or heat, reducing the need for landfills and generating clean energy.

Advantages of incineration technology

Incineration technology offers several advantages, including:

• Waste reduction: Incinerators can reduce the volume of waste by up to 90%, minimizing the need for landfills and reducing the risk of environmental pollution.
• Energy production: Incinerators can produce electricity, steam or heat, providing a sustainable source of energy.
• Recycling: Incinerators can produce fuel gas and ash that can be used for cement production, reducing the need for virgin resources.
• Job creation: The construction and operation of incineration plants can lead to job creation and economic growth.

Challenges and controversies

Despite the benefits, there are concerns and challenges with incineration technology, including:

• Environmental concerns: Incinerators can produce air pollution and incineration residue can be dangerous if not handled properly.
• Public opposition: The installation of incineration facilities is often met with strong public opposition due to concerns about health risks and aesthetic impact.
• High upfront costs: Building incineration facilities requires a significant initial investment, which can be a barrier for many countries.

Conclusion

Namibia’s waste management dilemma is an urgent problem that requires a multi-dimensional approach. Although incineration technology offers a promising solution, it is crucial to carefully consider the benefits and challenges associated with this technology. Government, the private sector and civil society must work together to ensure that waste management is carried out sustainably, efficiently and effectively, protecting public health, the environment and the economy.

References:

• World Bank. (2020). Waste management in Namibia: a review of the current situation and future directions. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/namibia/publication/waste-management-in-namibia
• Ministry of Environment and Tourism. (2020). National waste management policy framework. Retrieved from https://www.meete.gov.na/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1557%3Anational-waste-management-policy-framework&catid=119&Itemid=1486
• Namibia Institute of Noncommunicable Diseases. (2020). Waste management in Namibia: a review of the current situation and future directions. Retrieved from https://www.nined.org.na/waste-management-in-namibia