The Bank is supporting the implementation of a modern solid waste management system in two Georgian cities
An EBRD sovereign loan of €1.6 million to the municipality of Rustavi in Georgia is helping to establish an integrated solid waste management system that will serve the cities of Rustavi and Gardabani.
Reaching capacity
Rustavi currently disposes of its solid waste by dumping it in the unsanitary landfill of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, located 25 km away. As a result, Tbilisi’s landfill is reaching its capacity, which increases the risk of environmental contamination for the region. Gardabani’s existing dumpsite presents the same risks, as it does not meet hygiene standards. But thanks to an EBRD loan, BP’s and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)’s capital expenditure grants – amounting to €700,300 and €1.3 million respectively – and the technical cooperation assistance funded by the government of Austria of more than €400,000, Rustavi will be able to build a modern sanitary landfill complying with EU standards and the Gardabani dumpsite will be closed.
New sanitary landfill and modern management
The establishment of a dedicated landfill management company, the purchase of waste transportation vehicles and equipment, as well as an institution capacity-building to support the company are part of the project, which also includes international tendering for contracts and independent consultants to review the implementation. This new system will not only increase health and safety conditions to preserve the Tbilisi landfill but also ensure greater transparency and service quality in solid waste operations in Rustavi.
The project, the second collaboration for solid waste management improvement between the EBRD and a Georgian municipality, will set an example for future restructuring of the sector that currently lacks national regulation.
