Acting Kingdom Representative takes concrete action at Selibon Lagun
In recent weeks, the acting Kingdom Representative (wRv) has taken steps to address the most pressing risks at Selibon Lagun. Before Christmas, the waste centre is going to be fitted with proper fencing. Containers with asbestos-containing waste are being repaired. The disposal of biomedical waste is also being actively pursued. From the 1st of January, offal will be processed according to the proper rules.
Cooperation
Since the 15th of November, the wRv has replaced the Executive Council of the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) for certain tasks related to Selibon Lagun. The current measures are being taken in good cooperation with Selibon, the OLB, the residents of Lagun, the ILT, and the Ministries. There are weekly consultations with stakeholders. The ILT appointed a local project manager for the implementation of measures. The Sustainable Waste Management Bonaire Programme Manager of the OLB is involved to ensure that these short-term solutions fit with the long-term policy of the Public Entity.
Proper fencing waste centre
Before the end of the year, the entire waste centre - including the environmental street, sorting stations, cardboard storage, incinerators, waste oil station, and the collection of small chemical waste - are going to be fitted with proper fencing.
Repair of asbestos-containing containers
Currently, asbestos-containing waste is stored in 19 containers, which are unsafe due to rust and holes. Because the opening and repackaging of the waste can release asbestos fibres, the containers are being repaired. This will be completed by mid-January 2025.
Processing offal according to the correct rules
Without a working incinerator, offal can be buried, according to clear rules, wrapped in a special manner, and at the right depth at designated sites. These sites should also be accurately recorded.
Approach for safe disposal of biomedical waste
There are nine unrefrigerated shipping containers containing biomedical waste at the Selibon Lagun site. Some containers have been there for more than a year. Several are in poor condition. Safely disposing of the biomedical waste present, requires a specialist approach. Processing this will take time. Discussions about this are currently ongoing with specialists in the Netherlands. Moreover, new biomedical waste arrives from the hospital every week. A refrigerated container is being ordered for this new waste.
Work instructions for Selibon employees
For the correct and safe handling of offal, asbestos-containing, and biomedical waste, Selibon employees are receiving new work instructions. They are going to work according to these new instructions as soon as possible.
Follow-up steps
Following the concrete steps that have been taken since mid-November, the safe disposal of biomedical waste will be a priority by early 2025. The processing of the permit application of Selibon from 2022 also contributes to the solution of the shortcomings at Selibon Lagun.
The processing of the permit application of Selibon from 2022 is also crucial in the journey towards a safer situation at Selibon Lagun.
Appeal
The OLB lodged an appeal in court against the substitution by the wRv. This case is scheduled to be heard at the Joint Court of Justice (Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie) on the 10th of January 2025.