Municipal solid waste management: Constraints and opportunities to improve capacity of local government authorities of Phnom Penh Capital

Abstract

Solid waste management is a challenge for Phnom Penh city owing to the increasing volume of waste produced and insufficient collection capacity. Sustainable management is required in response to continuing population growth and urbanisation. This article aims to examine the status and constraints of solid waste management in Phnom Penh and discuss the performance of local government authorities to propose possible mechanisms and strategies to improve the system. Data were collected through literature reviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with the local government authorities. Six performance measures were used as assessment variables, including technical, environmental, institutional and organisational, financial and economic, social and cultural, and policy and legal factors. Limited institutional capacity and performance are the consequence of insufficient decentralisation power and allocation of budget and workforce for promoting technological and environmentally sustainable practices. Lack of cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies led to their unwillingness to participate in management performance. A decentralisation and provision of management services in the public-private partnership would enable operational procedures that enhance accountability, transparency, efficiency, and productivity at the local level.

Assessment of Public–Private Partnership in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

“…From 1995 to 2010 and then to 2015, MSW generation in Phnom Penh increased rapidly from 0.136 million tons in 1995 to 0.409 million tons in 2010 [28] and then to 0.681 million tons in 2015 [15,29]. Waste generation rates are affected by socio-economic development, level of industrialization, urbanization, excessive consumption of modern life and climate.…”

“…The inadequate transportation facilities of CINTRI have necessitated a shift in the collection time and transportation routine from day to night time for some inner city districts and commercial areas. Spoann et al [15] indicated that the collection capacity of CINRTI is limited not only in terms of facilities but also lacks personnel resources. In other words, the main constraint on waste collection is the lack of personnel due to low compensation rates.…”

“…RGC highlighted the need to develop public services and suggested alternative service provision through public-private sector partnership [14,15]. COMPED [19], JICA [34] and Spoann et al [15] concluded that weaknesses in institutional organization are cause by four problems: lack of accountability and transparency, unclear delineation of roles, political The finding on the challenges of LGAs in waste management is a critical movement. Spoann et al [15] argued that proper management needs only a solid legal foundation.…”

“…Some studies show that the PPP model of waste management in cities such as in Lagos, Nigeria [2] and other developing economies [3,4]. Public-private partnerships [15,19] CINTRI and PPCH have consecutive meetings and discussions on the possibility of a new model waste collection system at district levels in Phnom Penh and together considered pilot areas in four inner-city districts. CINTRI will implement with district authority directly with the supports from PPCH and line agencies.…”

“…CINTRI will implement with district authority directly with the supports from PPCH and line agencies. The fees for waste collection service will set by a joint committee (municipal, khan, CINTRI) with the facilitation from Ministry of [15,19]).…”