The Involvement of Micro And Small Enterprises In Solid Waste Management Services In Addis Ababa: , The Case of Bole And Arada Sub-Cities
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
In Addis Ababa as in many cities of the developing countries, solid waste micro
and small enterprises are involved in solid waste management services and
generating employment opportunities for urban labor force since 1998/1999. This
research is mainly emphasizing the management and job creation role that the
involving MSEs can play in solid waste services.
In order to achieve the objective of the study, a social survey with a questionnaire
covering a total population of 37 enterprises and a sample of 80 workers was
conducted on two purposely selected sub-cities, i.e. Bole and Arada. The survey
indicated that MSEs to do solid waste activity with limited start-up capital,
traditionally made labor-intensive working tools and workers with only few
health protective materials. Joblessness and Capability for physical work are the
major criterion for employment. The results of the research in general showed
that over three fourths of the MSEs participated in primary solid waste collection
using hand pushcarts up to the municipal transfer points through door to door
collection system. Entrepreneurial activities in sorting, compost processing and
recycling are less developed though it is encouraging. MSEs are involved in solid
waste activity with the method of open-competition and zonal monopoly and have
personal relations to clients in tenns of contracts and payment of service charges.
Lack of working tools and shortage of finance are the two major constraints for
the operation and growth of MSEs. Some financial support for entry in the activity
depends on the social network of friendship and relatives rather than formal
financial institutions. Most of the MSE operators started solid waste activity
without any training but attracted by it as a survival strategy.
Generally the re is a need for strengthening the MSEs growth by expanding the
micro- finance institutions and providing esp ecial financial support for the solid
waste sector. Government and NGOs support should also be focused on training
and consultancy services or in general infonnative services concerning market,
documentation or accounting system. Encouraging public-private partners hip
with medium-scale enterprises to reduce the problem of waste transporting and
disposal is one of the main issues to be focused. In addition, government
(municipal) partial intervention on the method of MSEs participation should be
based on an objective assessment of the reality to minimize the conflict that
arises between the new entrants and existing MSEs in case of unnecessary
competition to be the sector effective. There is also a need for the government to
negotiate with the MSEs owners to ensure employees get at least the minimum
wage of the country
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Solid Waste Management Services In Addis Ababa