A proposal to build a $750 million (BD283.5m) waste recycling plant in Askar which had caused outcry from environmentalists and councillors could finally get the go-ahead.

Councillors in the Southern Governorate say they are now willing to allow the plant, but at a different site than that proposed by the government, to keep it away from homes.

French firm KNIM has been selected by the Tender Board for the project.

The firm says it will use the latest technology, to transform domestic waste into liquid gas for industrial energy and possibly domestic use.

Environmentalists had earlier slammed the Cabinet's plans to build the plant in Askar, to cope with mounting refuse problems.

They said they were completely against the idea of incineration, claiming it produced poisonous gases.

The Southern Municipal Council blocked the project in June, saying that Askar residents were against having the project near their homes, despite assurances that it would be safe.

However, it is now planning to allow the project, but at a different site behind Alba's plant.

Councillors were expected take the vote on Wednesday, September 3, at their first full meeting after a two-month summer break, in which they had a 10-day visit to Europe, where they toured similar plants in France, Monaco and the UK.

'We have nothing against the plant and rumours that have spread in the past that we were against it are wrong, considering that we now proposing an alternate site within our governorate itself,' said council chairman Ali Al Mohannadi.

'If the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry does not agree with our proposal, we have nothing to say other than 'good luck',' he said.

'I have promised the plant's officials help to get the project approved, whether in my governorate or one of the other four and I have lived up to my word as an alternate location is now being proposed.

'The decision on whether the project will be built within our governorate is now in the hands of Minister Mansoor bin Rajab.

'All we want is to have the plant away from people's homes, because of what they have gone through with fumes and pollution coming from the current Hafeera landfill site, close to the site proposed by the government,' he said.

Al Mohannadi said that the recycling plant was necessary and if not approved by his council, he would help get it approved within one of the four other governorates.

'The chairmen of the four other councils have assured that they would like to have the project within their governorates.

'If we don't take it, then they would certainly,' he said.

'Things could be done according to plans, if the ministry and the company agree with our proposal, which would ensure that everyone is happy.

'Such scenario would ensure that the factory is built, away from homes sparing Askar residents from the agony, caused by numerous factories filling their area.' - TradeArabia News Service