KOTA KINABALU: All landfills in Sabah will use cell technology and leachate treatment methods under a RM130 million allocation to improve and enhance solid waste management in the state.
The allocation will be used to upgrade the existing Kayu Madang landfill which will cost RM40 million, and to construct two new regional landfills in Tawau and Beaufort. Each construction costs RM45 million.
Secretary-general to the Housing and Local Government Ministry Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek said the regional landfill in Tawau was scheduled to be completed in October. It has a capacity of 250 tonnes per day.
"The Beaufort facility is currently at the structural design stage and construction should begin this year. We have appointed a consultant for this,” he said.
Mohammad said the ministry had also approved upgrading of the new cell structure for the Kayu Madang landfill, and construction was also expected to commence this year.
“With this sanitary landfill, it will further enhance the municipal solid waste management and reduce illegal dumping,” he said, adding construction usually takes two years to complete.
Mohammad was speaking to reporters after paying a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal here today.
According to him, the ministry channels more than RM45 million allocation for distribution to all 25 local authorities (PBT) in Sabah.
Noting that there were 151 PBTs nationwide, he said each local authority was allocated an average of RM1.8 million for small scale projects such as upgrading of roads, street lights, drainage, and community halls, among others.
“Currently, we have approved about 1,200 small projects in all PBTs throughout the state, and these (projects) involve RM120 million allocation. So there should be no question about allocation being blocked.
“What’s important is each PBT must ensure the project must be people-centric. It has to benefit the people,” he said.