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Waste Management Issues in Kinshasa, DRC

Andre Kimbuta the Governor of Kinshasa recently invited Alasdair Meldrum, Managing Director of Ayr based Albion Environmental, to assess the possibilities for the city's waste management future.

South Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire supported Alasdair’s Kinshasa trip, which has been organised by African regeneration experts Net Consultancy Ltd - who have been contracted by the DRC government to oversee all the regeneration projects in their country.

Alasdair (36) said: "Waste management was a low priority, but as a result of our visit they now know that to build a healthy, functioning society they need to have robust plans in this area - this is now one of their top priorities."

"We were the talk of the town and all over the TV Radio and newspapers and everyone knew we were there to try to make a difference. The officials we met were so enthusiastic about the new democracy and so delighted that we'd taken the time to visit their country."

"I have to admit to being shocked at the conditions - the rubbish was just piled up everywhere you turned. The people there live on top of rubbish, they grow their food in it, their children play amongst discarded needles and blood bags. But they are ready and willing to make changes - and we can provide the expertise to help them achieve this."

"We met a lot of good people with a vision for their country and we feel we can help them achieve that vision. We're hopeful our skills can help. The hard work starts now and after seeing the plight of these friendly, genuine people, Albion Environmental are up for the challenge."

"We already have some plans in place to help transform Kinshasa. It's a big job but in the next four months we hope to have made the first steps towards cleaning up the city with a new landfill site. But we need the goodwill and support of the international community to ensure the good work continues."