The Government of Barbados has received a loan in the amount of US$ 13 million from the Inter-American Development Bank to assist in financing the development of a modern, dependable and efficient Solid Waste Management Program, which would properly protect the environment, improve the standard of public health in Barbados and foster the participation of the private sector.

The Solid Waste Management Program is being carried out over a six-year period, beginning in the fourth quarter of 1998, and comprises three components as follows:

The final disposal system will include the construction and operation of four key components:

1. An engineered sanitary landfill

2. A transfer station and transfer equipment

3. A bulky waste landfill

4. A yard waste composting facility

Specific procurement notices for expressions of interest were published in the first quarter of 2000. Evaluation of submissions is in progress.

The following activities will be carried out:

Specific procurement notices for consulting services to assist the Ministry of Health will be published between the first quarter of 2001 and the third quarter of 2002.

Institutional strengthening and studies:

Institutional strengthening activities will include:

1. Training in technical and operational aspects of solid waste management

2. Technical assistance in accounting and financial procedures

3 Assistance and training in contract administration and project management

4. Office equipment to improve the technical and financial systems

Training will be provided for environmental officers responsible for solid waste management, and laboratory and field equipment will be purchased to collect and monitor water, air and soil contamination.

Specific studies will be performed in the areas of collection, hazardous waste disposal and cost recovery. A study to follow-up on the financial mechanisms established to recover both capital and operating costs for collection and disposal of solid waste from residential, commercial and industrial sources will be performed.

Specific procurement notices for consulting services to assist the Ministry of Health will be published between the third quarter of 2001 and the third quarter of 2002.

The execution of this program is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health through its Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Unit. Specific procurement notices for works in excess of US$ 1.5 million and for goods in excess of US$ 250,000, as well as for consulting services in excess of US$ 200,000 will be published in the international press. All procurement notices will be published in the local press.

Request for additional information should be addressed to:

Saint Michael, Barbados

Tel: (246) 427-5910

Fax: (246) 430-9152

E-mail: solid@sunbeach.net

Contact: Ms. Sandra Prescod, Project Manager