Japan to extend waste collection trucks for "Clean and Green Galle"

The Ambassador of Japan H.E. Mr. Kenichi Suganuma and The Municipal Commissioner of Galle Municipal Council Mr. Ranil Wickramasekara signed a grant contract worth US$ 103,487 (approx. 15 million Sri Lankan Rupees), on 20th February 2017 at the Embassy of Japan in Colombo, aimed to upgrade solid waste management process of Galle by providing 5 Japanese waste collection trucks (compacters).

The project will include not only the provision of 5 trucks but also training for the maintenance of such vehicles from Japan. Upgraded waste management service by the project will contribute to a vision of "Clean and Green Galle" which enhances clean and hygienic environment in Galle city and suburbs. The 5 trucks to be handed over to Galle Municipal Council are the second stream of donation by Okayama city in Japan, through the dedicated coordination of the Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD), which coordinate donation of second-hand vehicles such as waste collection trucks to foreign countries.

The Galle Municipal Council received 5 Compacters from Okayama City 3 years ago, however, this number is not adequate to fulfil the total requirement to facilitate the collection of all the waste in Galle Municipal Council Area.

According to Municipal Commissioner Wickramasekara, a major portion of the municipal waste amounting to 40 – 45 tons per day is currently being collected by quite old tractors.

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) is one of Japan's ODA schemes dedicated specifically for local government and NGOs to contribute to rural development and to upgrade living standards of communities. So far a total of 930 vehicles have been provided to 63 countries under this scheme through the coordination of the SPJD to strengthen friendly and cordial relationships between the government of Japan and other partner countries.