City’s uphill task in managing waste

By MANGOA MOSOTA

Kisumu, Kenya: Kisumu city is grappling with management of waste as authorities are only able to collect half of refuse discharged daily.

The Director of Environment John Sande said out of about 400 tonnes of refuse emitted daily they are only able to collect 200 tonnes. He said they are making efforts to recycle the garbage.

“About 65 per cent of the garbage is bio-degradable, with 10-15 per cent being recyclable,” said Mr Sande.

The official said most of the litter collected is within the Central Business District (CBD) but due to handicaps such as inadequate equipment and staff they are only able to collect a limited amount.

He said some Italian investors are undertaking feasibility studies with a view to generating electricity with the waste.

“The power from this technology will be used in fish cooling plants, and this will save traders from losses resulting from their fish going stale,” he explained.

Mr Sande was speaking after the town received 40 litter bins from well-wishers. The bins have been placed at strategic places within the CBD.

Kisumu County deputy Governor Ruth Odinga said they are making concerted efforts to have the lakeside town achieve cleanliness akin to that of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

With slightly over one million residents, Kigali is touted as the cleanest city in Africa.

Among those who have been awed by the city’s orderliness is UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

During a visit to the Rwanda, two years ago, the secretary general said the town’s streets are among the cleanest in the world.

Executive member in charge of Environment Rhoda Obadha said the monthly clean-up exercise launched last month for the entire county would expedite the process of making Kisumu the cleanest town in the county.

“The residents have to own the exercise and feel that it is aimed at creating a clean environment for them,” said Mrs Obadha.

The County Assembly allocated Sh188 million for environment in the 2013/2014 budget.

Kisumu town has a population of over 600,000 people while the county has close to one million people.