United Nations Waste Incinerator Operation in Côte dʼIvoire (UNOCI)

United Nations Waste Incinerator Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI)

Background:

Côte d’Ivoire faces significant environmental challenges, with increasing waste generation and inadequate waste management infrastructure. To address this, the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) initiated the Waste Incinerator Operation in 2018. This operation aims to:

• Reduce the volume of municipal solid waste in major cities
• Prevent open burning of waste, which poses severe health and environmental risks
• Promote sustainable waste management practices

Operation Details:

The operation involves the installation and operation of four modern waste incinerators in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, and San Pedro. These incinerators are equipped with advanced technology to ensure environmentally friendly operation, producing only ash and water vapor as byproducts.

Implementation:

The operation is implemented by a consortium of private contractors, selected through a competitive bidding process. The contractors are responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the incinerators. UNOCI provides technical assistance, including capacity building for Ivorian authorities and stakeholders.

Impact:

The Waste Incinerator Operation has had a significant impact on waste management in Côte d’Ivoire:

• Reduced waste volumes: Over 3 million kg of solid waste have been incinerated, resulting in a reduction of landfill waste by 30% in the targeted cities.
• Improved air quality: Open burning has been eliminated, leading to significant reduction in air pollution and associated health risks.
• Job creation: The operation has created new job opportunities in the waste management sector.

Challenges:

• Financing: The long-term sustainability of the operation requires a long-term funding mechanism.
• Public awareness: Public awareness and participation in waste reduction and management efforts need to be strengthened.
• Regional disparities: Access to waste management services remains limited in some regions of the country.

Future Directions:

UNOCI is working with the Ivorian government and other stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure the long-term success of the Waste Incinerator Operation. Key areas of focus include:

• Secure sustainable funding mechanisms
• Enhance public awareness and participation
• Expand the operation to other urban centers
• Promote regional waste management initiatives

FAQs:

1. What is the cost of the operation?
The estimated total cost of the operation is USD 138 million over five years.

2. How many jobs has the operation created?
The operation has created approximately 500 new job opportunities.

3. What are the environmental benefits of the operation?
The operation has eliminated open burning, reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change impacts.

4. What is the long-term sustainability plan for the operation?
UNOCI is working with the Ivorian government to identify sustainable funding mechanisms for the operation.

5. How can I get involved?
Individuals and organizations can support the operation by raising awareness, volunteering time, or donating resources.