Musanze waste management plant: transforming trash into treasure
After years of struggles with an overflowing landfill in Musanze District, residents are thrilled to see waste now becoming a source of income and organic fertilizer expected to boost agricultural productivity.
Locals have welcomed the construction of a waste processing plant that will convert refuse into compost and other products. The facility spans six hectares.
For the past four years, the existing landfill has been overwhelmed, with unsegregated waste causing serious sanitation issues. Residents and landfill workers have long raised concerns over the health and hygiene risks.
Construction of the plant, located in Gacaca Sector, began last week. Initially, over 1,000 residents will be employed, with many expressing hope that, beyond financial gains, the fertilizer produced will significantly improve their farming output.
The project, being executed by China Geo Engineering Corporation, is estimated to cost over RWF 4 billion. According to Eng. Gato Ereneste, the construction manager, priority is being given to hiring locals for jobs on-site.
Musanze District officials highlight that the plant is expected to permanently resolve the longstanding issue of improper waste management in the area. Once completed within 12 months, the facility, implemented in partnership with Wasac, will process waste using modern methods and create 400 permanent jobs.