THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a move aimed at improving the efficiency of solid waste management, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) is planning to outsource door-to-door garbage collection across all its 20 municipal wards, replacing the existing mixed system under which only half the town is serviced by a private agency.
The proposal is currently being finalised and will be submitted to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) for approval before the civic body proceeds with the tendering process.
A senior municipal official told The Goan that the civic administration has prepared two proposals for consideration by the DMA and believes outsourcing the entire operation is the most practical and sustainable solution.
"We have prepared at least two proposals which will be placed before the Directorate of Municipal Administration for scrutiny. Once we receive the go-ahead, we will float tenders and appoint a suitable agency to undertake door-to-door waste collection across all 20 wards," the official said.
At present, door-to-door garbage collection in Wards 11 to 20 has been outsourced to a private agency, while municipal workers continue to handle collection in Wards 1 to 10.
Municipal officials said the experience of operating two parallel systems has highlighted the need for a uniform mechanism to improve accountability, service delivery and monitoring.
The move also comes against the backdrop of recurring complaints from residents over irregular garbage collection in certain areas, resulting in waste accumulation and inconvenience to the public.
Officials admitted that the municipality is increasingly finding it difficult to maintain the service with its existing workforce.
"The municipal council has around 250 workers engaged in waste collection. However, many of them are above 50 years of age and the physically demanding nature of the job is becoming increasingly difficult for them. This has affected operational efficiency," the official said.
Apart from manpower constraints, the municipality is also grappling with a shortage of vehicles required for waste collection and transportation.
Under the proposed outsourcing model, the selected agency will be responsible for deploying its own fleet of vehicles, reducing the burden on the civic body.
"The agency will have to arrange its own vehicles for collection and transportation of waste. The municipality will provide its existing workforce, and the agency will utilise these workers along with its own staff for carrying out the operations," the official explained.
Municipal officials believe the arrangement will ensure better deployment of manpower while allowing the civic body to overcome equipment shortages that have affected day-to-day operations.
The proposed outsourcing plan is expected to be placed before the DMA shortly.
If approved, the municipal council will invite bids from private agencies, paving the way for a single operator to manage door-to-door garbage collection across Mapusa, with the civic body hoping the move will lead to more reliable, efficient and streamlined waste management services.
