SIBU: This riverine town moved up another notch in international recognition as it has been made a model town for the low cost green technology – Takakura Home Method of Composting.
THANK YOU: SMC deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng (second left) receives a memento from Takakura, while (from second right) Yong and councillor Patrick Tong look on.
Its inventor Koji Takakura disclosed yesterday that Sibu would be made the core centre for the knowledge to be cascaded to other parts of the country.
To do that, they are training locals comprising of NGOs and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) staff to be competent in the world renowned composting method through technical seminar on home composting.
He hoped that the knowledge would be extended to the whole state and eventually, nationwide.
“Since a network has been established here, authorities or NGOs in other places in the country keen on the project, can visit Sibu to see for themselves the development thus far.
“And if they are still keen to expand the initiative, they can choose to come here to seek advice or contact Kitakyushu Initiative,” Takakura told a press conference.
As the programme – collaboration between SMC and Kitakyushu Initiative, supported by Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) – was completed, it was necessary to train local experts to ensure the continuity of the method, the founder said.
Project leader of Kitakyushu Municipal Government Yusuke Mitoma clarified that there was still possibility of them coming here in the future if the need arose.
SMC assistant secretary Yong Ing Chu interjected: “After the training, this selected group would provide ground technical support.”
Yong added that a local authority from Kampar, Perak had expressed interest in the method.
Takakura said as this would be their last visit here; he would transfer all his knowledge so local experts would be able to ensure the continuity of his method.
“All the techniques will be revealed in the seminar including trouble shooting methods. Trouble shooting would ensure that those trying the method do not hang their boots when faced with problems,” he explained.
The Japanese expert was pleased to note the commendable success rate among those who attempted his technique.
He was optimistic that the success rate would grow over time, praising SMC for its hard work in promoting the initiative.
He said his method was most effective in countries like Malaysia due to its climate, adding that some modifications were made to the method in Japan to adapt to the colder climate.
Takakura disclosed that micro organisms required for the composting could be found locally.
“In some places, it is rather difficult to find good micro organisms that help the composting process,” he admitted.
Among those present were Kitakyushu International Techno Cooperative Association environmental education officer Hiroko Yanagida and Jica programme coordinator (Malaysia office) Murakami Kaori.