THIRD DISCUSSION OF DRAFT LAW “ON PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION WASTE” HEARD IN BISHKEK

Source: CARNet, 15.04.2009

Third discussion of the draft law “On Production and Consumption Waste” took place in Bishkek. The new version of the draft law was prepared by experts of the UNDP “Introduction of Sustainable Waste Management Principles in the Kyrgyz Republic” at the request of the National Agency for Local Self-Governance Affairs”.

Deputies of Jogorku Kenesh, City Council and representatives of government bodies: National Agency for Local Self-Governance Affairs, State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry, Ministry of Healthcare, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, State Custom Committee, State Committee on Tax and Duties, State Statistics Committee and other ministries and agencies, as well as representatives of KR Municipalities Association, KR Businessmen Alliance, PO “Independent Environmental Expertise” took part in the discussion.

Changes made in the new bill were dictated by the modern state of waste management in the context of international conventions and agreements to which Kyrgyzstan has become a party. The developers also considered new economic trends directly impacting production and consumption wastes. In this regard the bill now includes the articles on package, the norms on handling of widespread wastes and the principle “polluter pays”. Desyatnikov P.N. , Deputy of Bishkek City Council:

“My opinion is that we should pass what tomorrow will work for us. Dear colleagues, please look at the law from its practical side. I will not say about that teaching children should start at school. We should teach them from birth in families, care centers like it’s done in Switzerland – tea pack in one bag, lace to another, binder into third one. Once its required then we’ll do it”.

Sidorenko R.V., deputy chairman of the Committee on Land and Agrarian Problems and Environment of the KR Jogorku kenesh:

“This draft includes many good provisions, wastes, their classification. But when it comes to mechanism –how this law is to work – has not been described. They should be described in detail. To make law effective we must introduce changes into other laws because it will not work without administrative fines, responsibility. We should clarify which amendments and changes should be introduced into other laws”.