Director of Programme Strategy Department at the RDA and Project Lead Mr. Neil Smith said the Government of the Virgin Islands is developing an ambitious Waste Management Strategy aimed at maximum prevention, re-use and recovery of solid waste.

In support of this, four consultants submitted proposals to the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) for consulting services to provide a feasibility assessment and concept design for a sanitary landfill establishment, existing waste site rehabilitation and establishment of an auxiliary service station in the British Virgin Islands.

Mr. Smith said, “Seven companies were shortlisted by the Government of the Virgin Islands to participate in this opportunity of which four responded by the bid submission 10:00 a.m. deadline to the RDA on Friday, 7 May, 2021.  The technical proposals will now be evaluated by a team of evaluators following which the financial proposals will be reviewed.”

Feedback from ongoing public consultations being led by the Ministry of Health and Social Development will feed into the development of the successful consultant’s methodology. The ministry’s policy documents can be found at http://bvi.gov.vg/dwm-policy-documents and the public has until 30 June, 2021 to submit feedback.

Mr. Smith added that the overarching outcome for waste management is to provide waste diversion and disposal facilities which support the reduction of waste and provide a sustainable means for disposal that embodies accountability and transparency throughout the waste life cycle. 

“The successful consultant’s outcome must be consistent with the Draft Waste Management Strategy and align with Sustainable Development Goals representing value for money whilst embracing a circular economy,” he said. 

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency continues to support the Government of the Virgin Islands with its ambitious recovery plan and provides technical expertise in support of major infrastructure projects.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Photographs attached

• Photograph of the Landfill at Pockwood Pond
• RDA Procurement Officer Christine Mohammed officiates over the Tender Closing and Opening for the feasibility assessment and concept design for a sanitary landfill establishment.