EU Gives Waste Management Equipment to Tuvalu

Funafuti, Tuvalu
24 April 2014

For Immediate Release

EU Hands Over Waste Management Equipment to Tuvalu

European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs handed over waste management equipment, which included trailers and medical waste storage bins to the Government of Tuvalu today.

"The European Union is committed to support Tuvalu in its efforts to achieve a safer, healthier and cleaner environment through better waste services. The equipment handed over today will help increase the efficiency and quality of the waste services in Funafuti and the outer islands, thus contributing to the overall sustainable living conditions for the Tuvaluan population", Mr Piebalgs said.

The ceremony included the handover of excavators, loaders, tractors, trailers, a utility vehicle, vegetation chipper, metal bailer and metal cutting saws as well as medical waste storage bins, sharp and waste oil containers. The project, worth Euro 1.02 million (AUD 1.7m) is being implemented by the European company, Unit Export Limited.

The European Union (EU) will continue to support the waste sector in Tuvalu under the EDF 11 bilateral envelope, totalling Euro 6.8 million (AUD 10.1m). Over 2011-2014, the EU contributed to improved waste management in Tuvalu through the supply of equipment, plant and material in Funafuti and the seven outer Islands; support to institutional strengthening, including capacity development of key waste operators, mainly of the Solid Waste Agency of Tuvalu and support to outreach education and awareness programmes on appropriate waste management disposal and waste reduction. Over the period 2011-2014, the EU spent approximately Euro 1.27 million (AUD 1.88m) in support to waste sector to Tuvalu. (ENDS)

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