Japan donates PPE to solid waste management workers

Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke (left) at a recent event to receive JICA assistance(pic courtesy Japanese embassy)

Extending Japan’s continuous support to Sri Lanka, helping to protect solid waste management workers, currently engaged in work amidst Covid-19, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Office Fusato Tanaka, handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Sarath Weerasekera recently, JICA said in a statement.

Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke, and other officials from both institutions were also present on the occasion. The grant included 17,000 masks, 3,000 gloves, 360 pairs of boots, hand sanitizers, and protective kits to be used to protect more than 500 essential solid waste management workers currently engaged in work under Covid-19.

Over the years, JICA has been extending technical support for solid waste management in Sri Lanka under its Technical Cooperation Projects where Japanese experts and Sri Lankan counterparts work together solving challenges towards the proper management of solid waste in the country.

Currently, under the ‘Project for Formulation of Western Province Solid Waste Management Master Plan’, JICA is supporting the National Solid Waste Management Support Center (NSWMSC), Waste Management Authority, Western Province, relevant government agencies and local authorities, to formulate a long-term strategic plan for solid waste management in the Western Province.

The Project also helps capacity development of relevant authorities under emergency situations such as Covid-19. Hence, in response to the spread of Covid-19, a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for the Western Province has also been added to the scope of the Master Plan. This will enable local authorities in Sri Lanka to continue their essential work under any emergency situation such as the present pandemic.

At the handing over ceremony, Fusato Tanaka has stated that solid waste management is essential work for the community. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention towards their personal hygiene as well as assist them in maintaining a healthy work environment to protect themselves and the entire community. He further emphasized that catastrophic situation such as the present pandemic heightens the need for cooperation among countries to face them successfully and Japan has always been willing to extend a helping hand to Sri Lanka.