The growing waste at Memelakha Landfill Site in Thimphu is expected to reduce if the new technology of using plastic wastes to blacktop roads is successful. The technology, initiated by Green Road, a social enterprise, has been authorized by the Department of Roads to demonstrate the project on a trial basis.
As a trial project, 515 kilograms of plastic waste is being used to blacktop 150 meters of road at Olakha near the workshop area. The expected life span of roads built with the technology is five years.
“The project will be observed by the department for five years. If it proves successful, then I think this technology can be replicated in other parts with heavy traffic,” said Department of Roads’Chief Engineer, Chador Gyeltshen. He said if it is successful, the wastes in Memelakha will be reduced by 30-40 percent.
“An expertise from India is assisting the work and they assure that this technology will be a success,” said Neten Construction’s contractor, Neten Wangdi.
The project is being initiated by the Green Road with support from the Department of Roads, Construction Development Corporation and Neten Construction Private Limited.
The Green Road was established with support from Business Opportunity and Information Centre, this year.