The Lake Region Economic Bloc is set to benefit from the construction of a Waste to Energy factory; VR Holding AB Waste to Energy Plant at Mung’ang’a, Mumias East Sub-County, Kakamega County.
The 10 megawatts power generation factory will utilise waste from the Lake Region Economic Bloc as raw material, helping in disposal and protection of the environment. It has already been granted an operating license from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
Speaking during the launch, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said the plant is expected to employ hundreds of residents on a permanent basis and many more on casual terms, once operational.
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“This plant will contribute to cheaper sources of energy for residents of Mumias and Kakamega as a whole; we look forward to minimising waterborne diseases arising from solid waste” he explained. Currently, Kakamega has two designated open waste disposal sites; Roasterman and Matawa dumpsites which are overwhelmed due to the rising numbers of urban dwellers in the County.
In anticipation to the project, the County Government has purchased a modern refuse truck to transport waste from transfer stations to the Waste to Energy facility.
“The main output will be electricity that will be delivered to the National Grid; additionally, the plant will generate ash which can be used in brick or cement industry or the infrastructure construction,” Governor Oparanya explained.
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As part of Corporate Social Responsibility activities, the investor will construct a health facility and an ECDE block to benefit the locals.
The investor, Mrs Victoria Rickede, said her company will invest 70 million US Dollars (Ksh8 billion) in the project that is expected to generate 10 megawatts of power in the first phase.
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