The politics of waste: how Benin’s incineration projects are shaped by local and national interests

Introduction

Benin, a small country in West Africa, is facing a major crisis in waste management. With a population expected to reach 12 million by 2025, the country is struggling to dispose of its growing amount of waste. To solve this problem, the government plans to build an incinerator, a facility that would burn municipal waste to produce electricity. However, incineration projects are shaped by local and national interests, raising concerns about the environmental and social impacts of the project.

Local interests

Local residents of the proposed incinerator site are expressing opposition to the project. They worry about the health risks associated with living near a facility that burns toxic waste, as well as the potential threat to their livelihoods, as the project would displace many informal workers from waste collectors. Communities are also concerned about a lack of transparency and consultation in the planning process, with many saying they were only informed of the project’s installation when it was already underway.

Resistance and protests

In response to community concerns, residents staged protests and demanded that the government reconsider the incinerator project. They also staged sit-ins and protests, blocking major roads and highways. The government responded to the protests by deploying security forces to disperse crowds and arresting some of the protest leaders.

National interests

The government, meanwhile, is piloting the incinerator project, citing the need to alleviate the waste management crisis and produce electricity. The project is seen as a key part of the country’s development strategy, aimed at reducing energy dependence on foreign sources and creating jobs. Supporters of the project say it will also help reduce the cost of waste disposal and potentially generate revenue through carbon credits.

Challenges and controversies

However, the project faces several challenges and controversies. The cost of the project is estimated at around $100 million, which some say is not justified given the country’s limited resources. Additionally, there are concerns about the technology used in the incinerator, with some saying it may not be suitable for Benin’s climate and could lead to air and water pollution. The project has also been marred by allegations of corruption, with some saying the contracts were awarded to unqualified companies.

The way forward

As the debate over the incinerator project continues, it is clear that the path forward will require careful consideration of local and national interests. The government must take into account the concerns of local residents and engage in meaningful consultation and transparency. However, the benefits of the project, including the possibility of alleviating the waste management crisis and generating electricity, must also be weighed against the risks and challenges.

By addressing the concerns of local and national stakeholders, the government can ensure that the incinerator project is implemented in a way that achieves its objectives while minimizing its impacts on the environment and local communities.