Arandis Council Opposes N$200 Million Hazardous Waste Dump Near Green Hydrogen Project

The Arandis Town Council is opposing a proposed N$200 million hazardous waste dump by Namwaste (Pty) Ltd, located 15 kilometers northwest of Arandis. The facility, covering 177 hectares and designed to process 60,000 tonnes of hazardous waste annually, aims to serve the mining sector and the oil and gas industry.

Lawyer Richard Metcalfe, representing the council, warns of potential environmental and health impacts. Namwaste, a subsidiary of Rent-A-Drum, has received an environmental clearance certificate for the project.

Metcalfe emphasizes that the site could jeopardize Arandis' green hydrogen facility, for which Cleanergy Solutions Namibia has purchased 2,400 hectares for over N$155 million. The waste management site poses risks of contamination and health issues, while Metcalfe advocates for projects aligned with sustainable development. The council previously withheld consent for Namwaste to seek alternatives to prevent environmental harm.