Managing municipal waste: Kathmandu metropolis plans to hand over the task to private sector

Onlinekhabar
Kathmandu, December 20. Kathmandu Metropolitan City is conducting a study to look into the possibility of handing over the task of managing waste generated in Kathmandu to the private sector.

According to Shiva Raj Adhikari, chief of the KMC’s Private-Public Partnership Department and internal auditor, the feasibility study will focus on the possibility of handing over the tasks ranging from waste collection to waste management to the private sector.

KMC is reportedly thinking about shedding its responsibility after finding it to be a very costly undertaking.
“We plan to initiate the process for appointment of a consultant for a study on waste management,” he said.

“Compost fertiliser and electricity can be produced by using biodegradable waste. Most of the waste can be recycled and reused, Adhikari said, adding: The private sector,too, can benefit if the metropolis spends certain amount of money on this (waste management).

Every year, the metropolis spends around Rs 30 crore on waste management instead of earning any money from the job.

KMC dumps all waste produced in Kathmandu at the landfill site in Sisdole, Okharpauwa.

In the metropolis, an individual produces 0.335 kg of waste daily. The quantum of waste produced in Kathmandu has increased with the increase in the number of temporary residents. Industrial and commercial activties, hospitals, educational institutions and hotels are among the topmost waste producers.