KRALENDIJK – The Lagun landfill must close by the end of 2028 at the latest, but how Bonaire’s waste will be processed afterwards remains largely unclear. This is the finding of KPMG’s independent investigation into Selibon.
The administrative agreement between the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) and the central government stipulates that waste dumping at Lagun must cease no later than December 31, 2028. According to KPMG, however, this transition requires swift decision-making on the future processing of waste streams, while the development of those plans remains limited.
The researchers note that Bonaire is currently focused primarily on stabilising the existing situation. At the same time, it has yet to be determined which system will replace Lagun after 2028. Several scenarios are on the table, ranging from the full export of waste abroad to an on-island processing facility on Bonaire, or a combination of both. According to KPMG, these options still need to be developed into a comprehensive business case in which costs, feasibility and risks are weighed up.
Processing Facility
A future processing facility, where waste streams can be separated and prepared for recycling, treatment or export, is set to play a key role in this regard. Both Selibon and the Public Entity have already developed initial plans for such a facility. KPMG stresses, however, that considerable uncertainty remains about the location, design and eventual operation of such an installation.
Moreover, according to the report, Selibon does not consider the realisation of a processing facility before 2029 to be feasible. As a result, the capital and operating costs of such an installation have not been included in the current financial projections. Initial estimates indicate an investment of nearly $12 million, excluding costs for staffing, energy and maintenance that have yet to be calculated.
Time Is Running Out
KPMG warns that time is beginning to run short. The post-2028 period will require not only technical decisions, but also permits, environmental impact assessments, site decisions, procurement processes and contracts. Without timely decision-making, the researchers warn that Bonaire risks finding itself in a situation where the landfill must close while a structural replacement is not yet in place.
Fundamental Choices
The report thus makes clear that the debate over Lagun does not end with the closure of the landfill. That closure marks the beginning of a new phase, one in which fundamental decisions about the future of waste management on Bonaire have yet to be made.
