Where the wild things are: the high cost of a no-regrets solution in Sierra Leone’s battle over animal waste management

A crisis in the making

Sierra Leone has long struggled with animal waste disposal, a problem that has been exacerbated by a combination of factors including a rapidly growing population, poverty and lack of effective waste management infrastructure. As a result, the country’s streets and waterways have become clogged with waste, posing serious health risks to citizens. The situation has become so dire that the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the capital Freetown as one of the dirtiest cities in the world.

A solution without regrets

In response to this crisis, the Sierra Leonean government launched a complete overhaul of the country’s waste management system. The plan, known as the “no regrets” approach, involves building new waste management facilities, introducing advanced waste collection and disposal technologies, and training a new generation of professionals of waste management. The government also implemented a national recycling program, aiming to reduce waste sent to landfills and generate revenue through the sale of recyclable materials.

At first glance, the no-regrets solution seems like a logical approach, a bold plan to solve a complex problem with a single, comprehensive solution. However, a closer look at the costs involved raises concerns about the affordability and sustainability of this approach.

The high cost of the solution without regrets

The no-regrets solution comes at a significant cost, with the government committing to spending hundreds of millions of dollars on new infrastructure, equipment and technology. This has placed a heavy burden on an already struggling economy, with some estimates suggesting that the annual cost of waste management has increased by up to 300% in recent years.

Furthermore, the no-regrets approach has also led to the displacement of informal waste pickers, who traditionally play a crucial role in the country’s waste management system. These informal workers, who often sell recyclable materials on the streets, have been forced to settle on the outskirts of cities, where they struggle to make a living. This has left many communities without a sense of community or social cohesion, as the very people who once kept the streets clean now scramble to survive.

A more sustainable future

Before the eyes of the whole world, the debate rages on the sustainability of the no-regrets solution. Critics argue that the approach is too expensive, too complex and too dependent on imported technology. They highlight the lack of local participation, the displacement of informal waste pickers and the environmental concerns associated with the construction of new infrastructure. They advocate for a more community-based approach, which involves local residents in the waste management process, provides training and support for informal waste pickers, and encourages the development of locally owned and operated waste management businesses.

In conclusion, the no-regrets solution in Sierra Leone’s struggle to manage animal waste has come at a high cost, raising concerns about the affordability and sustainability of this approach. As the world struggles to find solutions to the growing problem of waste management, it is crucial that we learn from the experiences of Sierra Leone and opt for a more inclusive and community-based approach that places people and the environment at the heart.