The City of Windhoek and the sister city of Bremen in Germany are implementing a project to improve solid waste management in Windhoek, titled: ‘’Improving Solid Waste Management in Windhoek, Namibia)’’.

 

The project is funded by the European Union to the tune of N$36.8 million and its main objectives are to improve the solid waste management system in Windhoek by reducing the amount of waste that goes to the landfill, increasing the recycling rate, and creating employment opportunities for the local community.

 

The project is likely to see Windhoek returning to its top position as the cleanest city in Africa. The City lost its long-held status to Kigali of Rwanda.The project will also promote environmental awareness and education among the residents of Windhoek, especially the youth, on the benefits of waste reduction and recycling.

 

One of the outcomes of the project is a waste buy-back centre, which is being built in Katutura along Hans-Dietrich Genscher Street. The centre will recycle, package, and manage different types of waste. The centre is expected to recycle 2000 tons of waste, with 100 monthly drop-offs per month by 2025. The project will last for three years, from 2020 to 2023, and will have a positive impact on the environment, the economy, and the social well-being of Windhoek.