Yobe, UNDP to equip waste collectors with electric tricycles

The governments of Yobe State and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have finalized arrangements to provide informal waste collectors in Damaturu with electric tricycles. This initiative, based on an earned-ownership model, aims to enhance door-to-door waste collection services and boost the income of those involved in this line of work.

The UNDP's representative, Ismail Bunkar, made the announcement during a workshop aimed at improving waste management capabilities in Yobe State, organized by the state government and UNDP with assistance from the Yobe Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Project. The programme, part of a Japan-funded project, "Accelerating Recovery of Affected Communities from Security and Humanitarian Crises in Northeast Nigeria," will see the state government upgrading informal pushcart waste collectors with electric collection tricycles.

The earned-ownership model empowers these collectors to acquire the tricycles while equipping them with more efficient tools for waste collection. In addition to upgrading the waste collection equipment, a public awareness campaign will be implemented to encourage residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices. This endeavor is expected to not only improve waste collection but also enhance the livelihoods of informal waste collectors by providing them with more efficient tools.

The workshop, held at Briskpoint Hotel in Damaturu, gathered government officials, development partners, waste management stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, and other key figures. Dr. Mohammed Goje, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, highlighted the importance of effective waste management for public health, environmental sanitation, and the overall well-being of residents.

The event featured a presentation on the results of an assessment of the Enhanced Integrated Waste Management System in Damaturu by Alhaji Suleiman Dauda, the SOLID Project Coordinator. This assessment provided a factual overview of waste management practices in the state capital and will guide the identification of key areas for intervention.

The attendees also discussed strategies to strengthen waste collection efforts and promote improved waste disposal practices among local residents.