The United Nations General Assembly, designated 31 October as World Cities Day, promotes the international community’s interest in global urbanization. As Nairobi’s population continues to grow, waste management will remain a critical challenge. Projects like Waste Wise empower local communities to take lead in transforming their environment, ultimately contributing to a better world.
UN Habitat’s Waste Wise project: a concrete proposal for World Cities day
In October 2024, a project dubbed ‘Waste Wise’ commenced in Korogocho, Nairobi County, Kenya. It aims to transform how solid waste is managed in this community, offering a cleaner and healthier environment. The project targets 1,500 people and is funded by the UN Habitat, with the contribution of the Directorate General for Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by AVSI in partnership with Miss Koch Kenya.
Why the Waste Wise Project is necessary
Urban informal settlement areas like Korogocho face significant challenges in managing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Overpopulation and inadequate urban planning have led to improper waste disposal, resulting in pollution, health risks, and social conflicts. The Waste Wise project establishes a community-driven waste management system developed in collaboration with the municipality.
The project aims to keep Korogocho clean while empowering local organizations to lead in building a sustainable waste management model. This approach is key to fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the long-term success of the initiative.
Key innovations driving Waste Wise Project
- Start-up of Income Generating Activity: Community-based organizations will collect and sort solid waste at new aggregation points, actively engaging community members and generating income.
- Training and Capacity Building: Key to this approach will be the capacity building aspect for the community-based organization. They will receive comprehensive training on waste collection techniques, including the implementation of zone systems and waste collection schedules. Trainers will teach them management skills, including customer service, financial management, and human resource management, for running the transfer station.
- Local Involvement in Infrastructure Development: The project will build a sorting transfer station, creating jobs for the local community and sourcing materials locally. Furthermore, modern equipment and technologies like reusable bins will streamline waste collection activities, promoting efficiency and safety. Households will be provided with re-usable bins for waste segregation at the source. Workers at the sorting transfer station will sort, aggregate, and bale the segregated waste for easier recycling, reducing landfill waste.
- Community Sensitization and Engagement: Ultimately, to ensure the success of the project, the Waste Wise team will carry out extensive sensitization activities, including educational programs, radio shows, road shows, and movie nights, to raise awareness on waste segregation and management. The project team will organize cleanup competitions to encourage community participation.
- Organic Waste Recovery: The project is exploring the use of black soldier flies for waste treatment as a pilot organic waste recovery technique. Additionally, this could address waste disposal and generate by-products like organic fertilizers, benefiting local urban farming initiatives.
AVSI and Sustainable Cities
AVSI uses an integrated approach, focusing on an individual with a comprehensive view of the community at large. Korogocho, one of the slums in Nairobi where AVSI works, benefited from the Distance Support Program and the flood emergency. The incoming Waste Wise project is a sustainable response to environmental issues on solid waste management.
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