In continuation of its Government Creativity Lab held in October 2014, the Ministry of Environment and Water represented by its Waste Management Department has organized a brainstorming session on the ‘Announcement of Public Private Partnership Pledge in Waste Management Projects.’ The discussion was in line with the Ministry’s strategic goal of promoting environmental sustainability through treatment of generated waste according to National Key Performance Indicators of the UAE Vision 2021.
Eng. Youssif Al-Ahmad Al Rayssi, Director of the Ministry of Environment and Water’s Waste Management Department, said: “The initiative aims to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors in the field of waste management. In addition, it will encourage the private sector’s participation in the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions to address the UAE’s fundamental environmental challenges. The drive is oriented especially towards private institutions that have proven their ability to play a crucial role in the waste management sector through their flexibility and what they can do in the field of transferring of safe environmentally sound technology and its resettlement. Moreover, the initiative brings together parties operating in this field to put forward and discuss the problems and difficulties preventing the forging of further partnerships that can benefit the community and the parties themselves.”
The brainstorming session focused on three main themes; first, that the UAE currently needs projects related to waste management. Secondly, in order to maintain the quality of these projects, there is a need for the participation of competent authorities. Lastly, there is a need for facilities and legislation to create an attractive environment for investment in waste management projects for the private sector. The session concluded with a number of recommendations and proposals that will facilitate the work of the public and private sectors as well as encourage the private sector to invest in this field.
The brainstorming session was attended by representatives from Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD); Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi); Dubai Municipality; Sharjah Municipality; Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman; Umm Al Quwain - Public Works and Service Department; Umm Al Quwain Municipality; Fujairah Municipality; Tadweer Dubai; Ace Limited – Masdar City; GIS – Dubai; Dulsco – Abu Dhabi; Environment Health and Safety Group – UK; and Imdaad- Dubai along with a number of officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water