The Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Marie-May Jeremie, has held discussions with a high-level World Bank delegation on ongoing and future cooperation on Seychelles solid waste management.
The delegation included experts in solid waste management, environmental sustainability, and social safeguards. The meeting reviewed current collaboration between the World Bank and the Ministry. It also examined new areas of partnership to strengthen environmental planning in Seychelles.
A central issue was the development of a long-term solid waste management strategy for Seychelles’ three landfills. The World Bank’s Task Team Leader, Suranga Kahandawa, said the initiative is a priority for the Seychelles portfolio this year. He confirmed that work is already underway to identify waste treatment solutions that are “technically and financially viable” and suited to the national context.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has started assessments to support the expansion and improved management of the Providence landfill. It has also been providing technical and advisory support to the Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA). Minister Jeremie welcomed the collaboration. She said solid waste management in Seychelles remains a priority for both the Ministry and the Government.
During the talks, the Minister stressed the need for transparency and public engagement, especially with communities near waste management facilities. She said authorities cannot delay decisions on the future of waste management in Seychelles beyond this year. She also reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to move away from landfilling towards “modern, integrated, and circular waste management solutions” that are environmentally sound, financially viable, and suited to the island context.
In addition, the World Bank delegation shared updates on other initiatives linked to environmental sustainability in Seychelles. These include a possible grant under a partnership with UN-Habitat to support feasibility studies on greenhouse gas reduction and composting. The studies are expected to run alongside the main waste treatment project.
The delegation also identified potential future cooperation in coastal management planning, early warning systems including cell broadcast and flash flood alerts, and climate-resilient infrastructure. These initiatives could form part of a broader long-term national development programme in Seychelles.