KATHMANDU: The high level committee on garbage management today decided to allow the entry of private sector in managing waste produced in Kathmandu valley.

"We have decided to sign an agreement with private companies by December 15," said Dr Sumitra Amatya, member secretary of the committee, who is also the general manager of Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilisation Committee under Ministry of Local Development.

The government announced in its programmes for the current fiscal to allow the private sector in waste management business by setting up an energy plant by mid-November.

"The pact has been delayed by a month since the cabinet took longer than anticipated to finalise the committee and the budget," said Amatya.

"We discussed the possible Terms of Reference, work area for the firms, rights and responsibilities of the committee, among others,"added Amatya.

The ToR will be readied by September 16, while the bidding will be announced by September 24. Sites for the garbage-based energy plants will be proposed by September 24. The sites will be selected by October 17 to be submitted to the cabinet for final approval.