News item | 19-12-2024 | 20:49
In recent weeks, the acting Kingdom Representative (wRv) has taken measures to address urgent risks at Selibon Lagun. The waste center will be provided with proper fencing before Christmas. Containers with asbestos-containing waste are repaired. We are also working hard on the disposal of biomedical waste. From January 1, 2025, slaughterhouse waste will be processed according to the correct rules.
Cooperation
Since November 15, the wRv has replaced the Executive Council of the public body Bonaire (OLB) for certain tasks regarding Selibon Lagun. The current measures are being taken in collaboration with Selibon, the OLB, the residents of Lagun, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and the ministries. There are weekly meetings with the parties involved. The ILT has appointed a local project leader to implement measures. The OLB’s Sustainable Waste Management Bonaire program manager is involved in ensuring that these short-term solutions fit with the long-term policy of the Public Entity.
Proper fencing of waste center
Before the end of the year, the entire waste center – including the recycling center, sorting stations, cardboard storage, incineration plants, waste oil station and the collection of small chemical waste – be provided with proper fencing.
Repairing containers with asbestos-containing material
Asbestos-containing waste is currently stored in 19 containers, which are unsafe due to rust and holes. Because asbestos fibers can be released when opening and repacking the waste, the containers are repaired. This will be ready by mid-January 2025.
Process slaughterhouse waste according to the correct rules
Without a working incinerator, the slaughterhouse waste may be buried according to clear rules, specially packaged and at the correct depth in designated places. These spots must also be recorded accurately.
Approach for safe disposal of biomedical waste
There are 9 unrefrigerated shipping containers with biomedical waste on the grounds of the Selibon Lagun. Some containers have been there for more than 1 year. Several are in poor condition. The safe disposal of the biomedical waste present requires a specialist approach. Working this out takes time. Discussions about this are currently underway with specialists in the Netherlands. In addition, new biomedical waste is added from the hospital every week. A refrigerated container is ordered for this new waste.
Work instructions for Selibon employees
Selibon employees have been given new work instructions for the correct and safe processing of slaughterhouse, asbestos-containing and biomedical waste. They will work according to these new instructions as quickly as possible.
Next steps
Following the concrete steps taken since mid-November, the safe disposal of biomedical waste will be a priority in early 2025. Processing Selibon’s 2022 permit application also contributes to solving the shortcomings at Selibon Lagun.
Occupation
The OLB has appealed to the court against the substitution by the wRv. This case will be presented to the Common Court of Justice on January 10, 2025.