Morogoro Municipal Council on waste-to-value project

Dar es Salaam. Morogoro Municipal Council has initiated a pilot project designed to transform solid waste into valuable resources.

The project, which will process about 1.2 tonnes of waste a day, aims to promote environmental protection and generate job opportunities for the young people.

The Waste for Value Initiative is implemented by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), the Devotional and Dedicated Services Community Development Organization (DDSCDO), and the Morogoro Municipal Council.

DDSCDO Project Manager Pius Ngirwa revealed that the project will be carried out over two years across four wards of the municipality, including Mji Mkuu, Mwenbesongo, Kichangani and Mafisa.

The initiative is focused on establishing small waste management businesses run by marginalised groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities.

“These businesses will be responsible for collecting, sorting, and processing waste such as plastics, paper, and metals, which will then be sold to recycling industries after shredding and compression,” said Mr Ngirwa.

He said the project aims to make waste management profitable, enhance public awareness, reduce the stigma around waste collection, and contribute to the green economy.

According to him, plastic waste will be sold to recycling companies, while scrap metals will be directed to recycling.

He noted that paper and glass will be added value or converted into new products while organic waste will be used for compost production and animal feed.

Mr Ngirwa emphasised that the project will help reduce environmental pollution, create green jobs, and provide sustainable income, contributing to a circular economy.

He added that the initiative will address climate change impacts, mitigate land and water pollution, conserve resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“An environmental assessment will be conducted before implementation to manage potential risks,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the goal was to reach 10,000 households with safe waste disposal practices and benefit 150,000 people through awareness campaigns.

The project will establish and register four economic groups responsible for waste collection, processing, and value addition.

“By collecting 150,000 kilogrammes of waste, we aim to process 130,000 kilogrammes, leading to direct outcomes. We plan to enter into business contracts with waste processing companies and ensure an average monthly income ranging from Sh200,000 to Sh380,000 for women, youth, and people with disabilities involved in the activity,” said Mr Ngirwa.

NCA Advocacy and Partnership Manager, Gwamaka Mwakyanjala representing the Country Director, said the project aims to empower communities economically while safeguarding the environment.

“This project aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of ending poverty and protecting the environment,” Mwakyanjala noted.

He also highlighted NCA's other initiatives focusing on gender equity, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment.

Morogoro Mayor Pascal Kihanga commended the initiative saying it will create employment opportunities for youth while protecting the environment.