Red Sea Project Swiftly Implementing 'Zero Waste to Landfill'

Aerial view of an exquisite island off the Red Sea coast. Image used for illustrative purposes. The Red Sea Development Company/Handout via Zawya
Aerial view of an exquisite island off the Red Sea coast. Image used for illustrative purposes. The Red Sea Development Company/Handout via Zawya
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Red Sea Project Swiftly Implementing 'Zero Waste to Landfill'

Aerial view of an exquisite island off the Red Sea coast. Image used for illustrative purposes. The Red Sea Development Company/Handout via Zawya
Aerial view of an exquisite island off the Red Sea coast. Image used for illustrative purposes. The Red Sea Development Company/Handout via Zawya

The Red Sea Development Company has awarded a solid waste management contract to a joint venture between leading waste management company Averda and the Saudi Naval Support Company.

The contract involves collecting and recycling waste generated by administration offices, residential facilities, and construction activities, meeting the high environmental standards set for the project and falling under the goal of “zero waste to landfill”.

It also includes wastewater collection services, involving the collection and transportation of the sewage via tanker trucks to a wastewater treatment plant in Yanbu until the construction and commissioning of the temporary sewage treatment plant (STP) for the project are completed.

Recycling and reusing waste underpin the contract's approach as it will support the company in designing, building, and operating Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) plants. The recyclable material that is recovered from both the MSW and CDW stream is then transferred for further processing or used as fill material on the project.

Similarly, a composting unit is then utilized for turning organic-rich waste into compost to be used for the project’s landscaped areas and in the site nursery. Equally important, incinerators are used for processing any non-recyclable waste, and the ash generated is mixed with cement for the production of bricks.

“We’re uncompromising in our commitment to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural environment. Pioneering new standards in sustainable development to achieve this goal is at the heart of the Red Sea Project, as is selecting the right partners who are willing and able to support our ambition,” said John Pagano, chief executive, the Red Sea Development Company.

He added: “We are pleased to award this contract and feel confident that both organizations will play a key role in the delivery of our aim to achieve zero waste to landfill even during the construction phase, collecting and sorting waste to ensure where appropriate, waste is recycled, composted or incinerated.”

Wissam Zantout, managing director of Averda- Saudi Arabia, said “It gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in the waste management sector and that when leveraged correctly, our approach can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for sustainability and circular carbon economy concepts.”



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.