OPD, DPW, NMTech inks MOU to run solid waste management training program
ANNOUNCEMENTS | August 07, 2024
The CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD), CNMI Department of Public Works, (DPW), and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 7, 2024 to run a training program for the solid waste management staff of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The program is expected to launch later this year.
This training program is made possible through a $161,000 Solid Waste Management Grant that was awarded to OPD from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in February 2023.
The program, which will be taught by NMTech, will be an 80-hour training course that covers landfill operations; standard procedures for disposing and handling e-waste, household hazardous waste, and appliances; and worksite safety and emergency response. Attendees will receive an NMTech-endorsed certification upon completion of the program.
CNMI Office of Planning and Development Deputy Director Christopher Sablan, CNMI Department
of Public Works Secretary Ray Yumul, and Northern Marianas Technical Institute Chief
Executive Officer Jodina Attao on August 7 sign a Memorandum of Understanding to run a solid
waste management training program at NMTech.
The training program is made possible through a $161,000 Solid Waste Management Grant that
was awarded to OPD from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in February 2023 and will
cover safety protocols, emergency response, landfill and transfer station operations, and
regulatory compliance. The program is expected to launch towards the end of this year.
(Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano)
Partnering offices and organizations for this training program include OPD, DPW, NMTech, the CNMI Department of Labor- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Marianas Environmental Services (MES), who currently oversees landfill operations at the Marpi Landfill on Saipan.
OPD Deputy Director Christopher Sablan thanks DPW and NMTech for being a part of this significant joint effort and envisions this program becoming a nationally accredited, mandatory course for current and prospective solid waste management staff in the future.
“As the CNMI government continues to strive for sustainable and responsible solid waste management, it would be ideal if all CNMI solid waste staff in the public and private sector are on the same page in terms of operating procedures and safety protocols and held to a nationally recognized standard”.
For Secretary of Public Works Ray Yumul, this partnership may be a first, but it will not be the last. DPW continues to work closely with OPD as they continue to develop the CNMI’s Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan and looks forward to the long-term investments into the CNMI’s solid waste management staff and services.
“A comprehensive training program such as this one for DPW’s solid waste staff is a long time coming, and we are grateful that this partnership and this grant funding from the USDA can make it possible. We look forward to enhancing the capabilities of our staff and raising the bar for the solid waste management services that DPW provides to the CNMI”, said Yumul.
NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao said that the training program elevates the standard of training for solid waste management in the CNMI and gives NMTech students an opportunity to explore a new career field and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
"We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration. Our approach of comprehensive capacity building benefits both students and agencies as we work toward shared goals for a vibrant CNMI. It's an exciting time for education and public service”, said NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao.