Like other fast-growing cities globally, Kigali is seeking an innovative solution to waste management. Plans are underway to install smart collection stations in Kigali’s public markets for collecting, transporting, treating, recycling and disposal of waste. The City has also deployed locally fabricated dustbins fitted with sensors to monitor waste levels in real-time. The dustbins, which are geolocalised, are monitored via an internet-based system. The sensors then send live notifications to waste collectors about the waste levels in the bins. This comes at a time when all factors point to growing pressure on waste management facilities and systems as the citys population grows. Kigali’s population is expected to double by 2035, from the current over 1.5 million people consequently requiring a more robust, modern and built for purpose utility system. It is therefore important that Kigali’s choices of waste management be tailored to the local context to ensure relevance and practicality. Locally developed and tailored solutions will among other things ensure affordability and sustainability as they will have buy-in from local stakeholders and players. While it may be tempting to procure or replicate a waste management system from nations or cities that have preceded Rwanda in the aspect, resisting the temptation will guarantee sustainable waste management integration to the local ecosystem. Among the multiple reasons for this is that different cities have different factors that inform/direct features of systems in use. For instance, population growth trends, density, existing infrastructure among others. Local context is also a chance to create more local jobs, add more value to the value chain as well as develop skills that will not only support expansion but could also be exported. The new incoming systems are among other things likely to be tested by age-old trials like hesitance to change and a wait-and-see attitude. Local context and composition will be among the drivers past the trials.
