KATHMANDU, July 27: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and five municipalities across the country have launched a joint initiative to improve the municipal waste management system. The venture will create 1,500 green jobs for the most vulnerable groups, and especially women from the selected municipalities.

The Promoting Green Recovery Project, co-funded by the UNDP and the municipalities, will initially be implemented in Waling Municipality of Gandaki Province; Birendranagar Municipality of Karnali Province; Bhimdatta Municipality of Sudurpaschim Province; and Tilottama Municipality of Lumbini Province.

According to the UNDP, the initiative will create new jobs in the collection, segregation and management of urban waste; and in the production of compost and biogas, and commercial organic farming. “In the first year of its implementation, about 200 people - 50% women - mostly those working as informal waste workers, will be provided with skills training and jobs in collection, segregation and management of urban waste; and 1,300 people (70% women) in the production of compost and biogas, and commercial organic farming.”

“This project will demonstrate how waste management can both support green recovery and at the same time provide economic opportunities for needy people,” said Mayor of Waling Municipality, Dilip Pratap Khand while launching the project.

In addition to creating employment, the initiative will promote waste segregation at the household, commercial and institutional level, and support the construction of a composting system covering 5,000 households. “It will also work to improve the waste collection system and establish waste processing centers,” the UNDP said in a statement. “The joint collaboration will raise and create awareness on this important issue by working with the local governments, and simultaneously lobby for green parks and greener roads.”

 
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