Zanzibar City Council and Nipe Fagio launched Zero Waste implementation in Unguja on March 4th, 2024 at Chumbuni. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution by addressing solid waste management. The operations in Chumbuni, Zanzibar will serve as a model for other areas.
Zanzibar is now on the path to becoming the first Zero Waste archipelago in the world. The Zero Waste Model and Material Recovery Facility was opened in Chumbuni in a ceremony presided over by Hon. Mahmoud Mohammed Mussa, the Mayor of Zanzibar City, on behalf of Hon. Masoud Ali Moh’d counted with widespread excitement and engagement.
The Honorable Mayor of Zanzibar Municipal witnessed this event, Hon. Ali Haji Haji, the Municipal Director Hon. Ali Khamis Mohd, the Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Chumbuni, Hon. Ussi Salum Pondeza, the Chairman of the Committee on Social Services and Environment of Zanzibar City Hon. Abdul Latif Omar Haji, the Councilor of Chumbuni Ward, Hon. Ambar Ujudi Bamba, different Zanzibar media, and the residents of Chumbuni Ward were present on March 4th.
Chumbuni’s inauguration marks a milestone in solid waste management. Zero Waste implementation reduces greenhouse gas emissions by enforcing waste segregation at source, collecting, processing and storing waste for 2500+ households. It’s cost-effective, allowing 100% waste collection at <15% of Zanzibar City Council’s costs and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting 70-85% of waste from landfilling.
Hon. Mahmoud Mohammed Mussa, the Mayor of Zanzibar City and Ana Rocha, Nipe Fagio’s Executive Director planted a tree as a sign of sowing Zero Waste future in Zanzibar. During the event, the Mayor of Zanzibar said: “Zero Waste implementation will be able to provide jobs for the people of Chumbuni as well as produce compost and control the waste pollution on the streets.”
“The Chumbuni Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is now operational!!” said Wilyhard Shishikaye, Zero Waste Project Coordinator at Nipe Fagio. He added, “One of the key advantages of the Chumbuni MRF is its significant contribution to job creation, efficiency, decentralized waste management and reducing methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a major contributor to climate change.”
Aligned with the principles of a Just Transition, more than 15 Waste Collectors (WC) have already been recruited and trained to carry out zero waste implementation in Chumbuni. Chumbuni residents will segregate waste into four categories, which are collected by the Zero Waste Cooperative. The cooperative educates the community and generates income from waste collection fees, recycling, maggot farming, composting, and urban farming. The Zero Waste Model is a commitment towards a more inclusive future for Zanzibar, showcasing its dedication towards environmental stewardship and development.
