INTRODUCTION

Problems related to solid waste issues were ranked as the top priority by stakeholders consulted during the preparation of the Dakahleya Governorate Environmental Action Plan (GEAP). In addition, mobilising community resources and encouraging community-based actions is one of the main objectives of the Action Plan in order to improve the environment.

As Mansoura city is expanding, many of the rural areas around the city have been urbanised in the last ten years or so. The communities from four villages around Mansoura including Kolongeel, Ezbet El-Shal, El-Bahr El-Sagheer and Kafr Badamas, requested assistance from SEAM to tackle their solid waste problem. The clean-ups that were undertaken in the four areas and the subsequent establishment of a permanent waste collection system in Kolongeel demonstrated a unique partnership between the Community Development Association (CDA) of Kolongeel and the district of East Mansoura.

PROBLEMS WITH THE PREVIOUS WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM

The village of Kolongeel is a typical example of a low income neighbourhood, with population of around 7,500 people, living together in extended families. A social survey undertaken in the village indicated that 92% of residents were not satisfied with the waste collection service provided before the project. Residents and shop owners were suffering from piles of garbage especially in the middle and narrow streets, due to the irregular collection services. The other three areas also suffered from similar problems.

A low-loading trailer, based on the design developed for another Community Project, was provided. It has more capacity and lower loading heights than the box trailers that are traditionally used. 

CLEAN-UP IN FOUR DAKAHLEYA VILLAGES

The project was championed by Mrs. Zeinab Ibrahim Ahmed who is an active member of Kolongeel CDA and the Women Representatives Association of Egypt’s National Democratic Party. Mrs. Zeinab has previously mobilised a local group of women and school students to undertake effective community based actions to solve local environmental problems.

At the outset Mrs. Zeinab and 50 women volunteers from the CDA and Women’s Association initiated community awareness raising on solid waste issues. Mrs. Zeinab along with her volunteers organised home visits to inform residents about the new project and to gain their support. Another objective of these visits was to identify a group of promoters or so-called "street leaders" who would distribute leaflets and flyers, and participate in awareness raising. Cloth signboards with texts on the importance of hygiene practices and public health were also hung in the villages to raise awareness. Seminars in social clubs were organised, along with meetings of children in their schools. 

Before starting the clean-up campaigns, senior governmental officials, SEAM project staff, and the media were invited along with the residents to a large ceremony organised by the CDA to obtain support from all partners. After the ceremony, major waste clean-up campaigns were undertaken with a joint effort of the local communities, 100 students from five schools and labourers from East Mansoura District. The SEAM tractor/trailer and waste collection equipment from the District were used to remove piles of garbage that had accumulated in the areas over the years.

 

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