Service for the Urban Poor Community based waste collection in suburban neighbourhoods in Maputo, Mozambique Prepared by Joachim Stretz Assistance to Solid Waste Management in the Greater Maputo Area

Outline Some facts about Maputo Project AGRESU Solid Waste Management in Maputo “Recolha primária” in Maputo System evaluation: Problem, analysis, solutions, impacts and the role of a facilitator Conclusions

Maputo, Mozambique © Silke Drescher 2004

Maputo City

Maputo inner city

Maputo living areas

Maputo suburban areas

Maputo periurban areas

Bilateral cooperation Mozambique - Germany Since 2002, second phase 2007 until end of 2009 Technical assistance to Municipality of Maputo in Solid Waste Management Three main components:   Technical assistance   Organizational development (including capacity building)   Financial sustainability Project AGRESU

Municipality fully responsible for waste management Estimated generation of 1,000 ton/day of waste Collection system coverage 2004: 250 ton/day (20% suburban areas) 2008: 500 ton/day (50% suburban areas) Cost recovery through waste fee 2004: 40% of operational costs 2008: 60% of total costs (including investment) Solid Waste Management in Maputo

Short history of “Recolha primária” in Maputo Primary waste collection in suburban neighborhoods  2001: first experiences with 2 pilot projects Initiated by MSF as part of sanitation upgrading project  2004: New Mayor signed formal service contracts with the two projects  2006: Extension of primary waste collection official strategy of the Municipality  2007: Delay through financial difficulties of the municipality  2008: 14 contracts signed in April, another 5 in September

How does it work?

Recolha Primária The neighborhoods have between 10,000 and 45,000 inhabitants They are serviced by 8 to 25 workers Service is at least two times per week The costs are between 5 to 13 Mt (20 $cent to 55$cent per month and family) The costs per neighborhood is between 800 and 3,000 USD per month

Public service delivery What is the problem? Waste is considered as a priority by the population Municipality does/ can not offer at least basic services Less developed areas do not receive any public service, this creates envy against richer areas People try to solve the problem individually Loss of public order and potential for social tensions

Public service delivery Analysis Big scale technical solutions not feasible or practical Municipality has not enough organizational capacity to provide service in the suburban neighborhoods Solutions have to be low-cost and highly adapted to the specific areas A link to the population needs to be established in order to guarantee involvement and, ultimately, success

Public service delivery Solution Small Service Providers (SSP) Visible service: door to door collection Working force from the neighborhood (employment) Formal service contract with Municipality Independent cost calculation and contract design through AGRESU Minimum salary, basic health care and working conditions guaranteed

Public service delivery Solution (cont.) Capacity development and training tailored for specific needs of SSP through AGRESU Formal and transparent tender process for contract award Monitoring system and quality surveys Strategy defines increase of service delivery according to financial capacities (sustainability)

Public service delivery Impact A first in critical service delivery in suburban areas  areas~40,000 beneficiaries  areas~400,000 beneficiaries Creating employment for the urban poor  people  people Sustainable through waste fee, no additional charges Reconnection of suburban areas with public administration Creating new markets/ opportunities

Public service delivery Role of AGRESU Formal commitment with the municipality, but technically and financially independent Objectiveness: no own agenda Mediator for both sides:  Municipality: technical expertise, resources, assistance in implementation  SSP: independent reference, guaranteeing fair conditions Capacity development for both sides ”Bringing both sides on the same page”

Conclusion Public administration and community based solutions can work when:  Common understanding of objective  Conscience about each others strengths and weaknesses  Honest contracts with no hidden agenda  Consistency, Continuity and Commitment

Conclusion External facilitation helps when:  Bringing technical expertise  Being committed to both sides  Developing capacity on both sides  Controlling own internal aspects (financial flow, pressure for immediate success, bureaucratic burdens etc.)

Thank you for your attention!