By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Airai State Government has launched its goal of a state-of-the-art technology on waste management system as it inaugurated on Wednesday May 2 its newly installed incinerator project at the Omsangel dumpsite.
Governor Vicky Kanai said it has been their long dream to try and solve the problems brought about by the dumpsite, which had been operating since the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) granted a permit some 12 years ago in 1995.
"The life of the people residing nearby is at risk. This dumpsite is the most hazardous and unnoticed cause of death for the people of Airai," said Kanai in her welcoming address before state and national government officials and other guests led by Vice President Elias Camsek Chin.
Kanai recalled that just last Saturday March 31, the dumpsite had been burned and the smoke was terrible and "if we don’t do anything quick, this dumpsite will kill us."
The cost of the project is estimated at $134,000.
The incinerator alone is worth $118,000. Aside from this, lights were installed in the area for nighttime use.
The incinerator is electricity-powered but the lights are powered by solar and wind energy worth $11,000.
The project is a donation from NGO Rice Japan and Takasyo Corporation, whose top management officers Masami Sato and Akio Takahashi, respectively, were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
In thanking the Japanese donors, Kanai assured them that the machine will be taken cared of.
Kanai extended Airai State Government’s appreciation to the national government, especially the vice president, for assigning this pilot project in Palau.
Chin said that this is only the second incinerator in Palau with the first one at the M-Dock.
Chin said that a feasibility study would be made if how much volume of waste this machine could be able to incinerate.
The vice president said they try to figure out if one machine would be able to be used by two or even three states.
Kanai has urged the public to start segregating their waste before bringing them to the area, beginning this month.
She said that very soon there would be a regular time schedule for opening and closure of the dumpsite.
She also said that they are currently developing a waste management plan that includes segregation and scheduling of picking of the wastes.
For instance, she said that they would pick up the cans and bottles on Mondays and on Tuesdays, waste that would be burned by the incinerator. Also metal collectors and related stuffs are advised to come to the area while tires and plastic materials will be packed and transported for recycling program.
Kanai urged the help of the community to clean the area and assured that as soon as a new dumpsite is ready, the current one will be closed.
Also present were EQPB Chairman of the Board Jonathan Koshiba and executive Director Portia Franz, Senate President Surangel Whipps Sr., Sen. Caleb otto, Sen. Santy Asanuma, Min. Temmy Shmull, Min. Otoichi Besebes, Del. Noah Secharraimul, Taiwan Amb. Matthew S. Lee and the women of Airai.
Speaker Meluat Telei of the 5th Airai State Legislature also deliver the closing remarks.
Airai Legislator Mason Whipps served as the master of ceremonies while Carlisa Ngedebuu was the Japanese interpreter.