Mare-Chicose Landfill Saturated, Expansion Plans Underway

The Mare-Chicose Landfill in Mauritius is facing a critical capacity issue, with the Ministry of Environment announcing plans to expand the facility vertically to increase its waste management capacity.

According to Minister Kavy Ramano, the expansion project will require specialized equipment and machinery, including compactors, heavy-duty bulldozers, and drilling machines adapted to handle landfill gas extraction.

The mobilization of these equipment from abroad will take around two to three months.

The concept of vertical expansion is a well-established practice globally, with several countries adopting this approach as a means of managing waste effectively.

“It’s a necessary evil,” said Sunil Dowarkasing, an environmental consultant. “Otherwise, what would we do with our waste?”

The expansion of the Mare-Chicose landfill will not only increase its lifespan but also provide a cost-effective alternative to building a new one.

A contract worth over Rs 3 billion has been awarded for the project.

However, some experts have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the expansion.

“The increased carbon emissions will contribute to global warming,” notes Dowarkasing.

“Additionally, methane production will increase, which will require additional capacity for capture and conversion into renewable energy.”

Furthermore, Dowarkasing pointed out that the existing landfill contains devices that capture and treat leachate, a toxic substance that can contaminate soil and groundwater if not managed properly.

“It’s crucial that we implement measures to ensure proper management of the expanded landfill to avoid contamination risks,” he warns.

“There will certainly be increased pollution and a higher risk of fires if not addressed.”

The Ministry’s decision to expand the landfill vertically is seen as a pragmatic solution to address the waste management crisis in Mauritius.

As the country continued to urbanize and generate more waste, it is essential to find innovative solutions that balance economic and environmental concerns.

In an interview with Parliament on June 25, Minister Ramano explained that the expansion project will enable the creation of additional space for waste disposal, as well as necessary infrastructure for efficient operations.

“The works involved in landfills are a specialized domain of civil and environmental engineering that requires the mobilization of specialized installations and equipment to create an empty space, as well as necessary arrangements for waste disposal operations,” he said.

Dowarkasing emphasized that expanding the landfill vertically is a solution that must be implemented carefully, taking into account both environmental and economic concerns.

“While it may seem like a simple solution, this requires careful planning and execution to ensure that it does not have adverse effects on the environment and public health,” he cautioned.

Ultimately, the success of the Mare-Chicose landfill expansion project will depend on effective implementation and monitoring.

Source: l’Express