Svay Rieng provincial authorities plan to build a factory that recycles plastic waste to make furniture in collaboration with a Japanese company and support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, according to officials.

Toch Poliva, the deputy provincial governor in charge of the project, yesterday said if all went according to plan, the factory will be ready by April.

“We may likely start building the factory in Svay Rieng city at the end of this year so that we can start operations in April,” he said. “The factory will not be large and will be used to house equipment imported from Japan by the Gomi Recycle 110 company.”

Mr Poliva said that the project has reached the stage where the Japanese side is putting the proposal to the Japanese government for approval.

“We are also requesting for trucks from the company to make sure the waste collection is up to international standards because we currently lack such vehicles,” he said. “The price tag for the project has yet to be fixed as it has yet to be approved by the Japanese government.”

Mr Poliva estimated that the amount of plastic waste in Svay Rieng city is about nine tonnes daily, noting that the factory will be built near a rubbish dumpsite in Svay Rieng commune.

JICA officials were not available for comment on the project yesterday. One official confirmed the ongoing cooperation, but was not aware of the details.

Yusuke Okumura, director of Gomi Recycle 110, was quoted in a provincial administration report on Thursday as saying that the company is prepared to import the waste collection trucks and build the factory.

He also conveyed his appreciation to the provincial administration for its cooperation in realising the project.

Provincial Governor Men Vibol said in the report that in addition to converting plastic waste into furniture, the project will also help clean up the city to make it more attractive.