Solum solves environmental problems in Egypt

Burning of vegetable waste in Dandara north of Luxor causes serious environmental problems and smoke nuisances to the surroundings. In cooperation with a local company Solum A/S has launched a DANIDA supported project with the aim of establishing a system for collection of the waste with subsequent compost production of the materials.

Cough, cough! The air is filled with smoke from countless fires burning banana leaves, stems and other vegetable materials. We are in Dandara, north of Luxor, where the many banana plantations produce thousands of tonnes of delicious bananas every year. But they also generate thousands of tonnes of vegetable waste - waste which used to be burned in a corner of the plantation. Smoke from the fires is a severe nuisance to the residents and the many tourists visiting the imposing Temple of Hathor.

Solum A/S is now mitigating the problems under a DANIDA supported project. The aim of the project is together with our Egyptian partner ESCO to establish a system for effective collection of the waste with subsequent composting of the materials. In this way we solve an environmental problem and create added value in the form of fine compost which is in high demand in the area.

Throughout the past year several Solum experts have visited Dandara repeatedly to share their knowledge. Denmark and Egypt are different almost across the board. The climate is what strikes you first. It is warm in winter and in summer it is hot! And it never rains. So the compost production is subject to conditions rather different from what we are used to in Denmark.

Ægypten - neddeling af bananaffald

The project also covers preparation of methods for getting increased focus on health and safety at work. Many issues under this heading are new to our local partner.

The ESCO Team is doing a fine job - both concerning use of safety equipment in the production and in their work with the compost: the compost produced so far has been of very fine quality. Farmers are keen to use it in their production - thus closing the recycling loop.