HOIMA | GARBAGE | COLLECTION

HOIMA - Hoima city authorities are seeking private partners to help them collect waste generated as one of the ways of improving sanitation. 

The move is also expected to see city residents pay for the collection of their garbage.

Hoima city mayor Brian Kaboyo says under this arrangement, the city is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with private individuals to manage waste in the city.

Kaboyo says under this partnership the residents will be required to pay some money which will be approved by the council.

He adds that those contracted to collect waste will be required to move from house to house collecting the waste.

According to Kaboyo, the decision is a result of a lack of funds to manage the increasing garbage generated and the city council is going to convene and deliberate on the proposal.

The mayor was on Saturday speaking during the cleaning of the town under the campaign dubbed Keep Hoima City Clean. This campaign, which started last year is always conducted every first Saturday of the month to promote sanitation and hygiene.

Kitara Secondary students collect garbage on wright road in Hoima city. (All Photos by Peter Abaanabasazi)

Kaboyo said the city does not get money from the central government for waste management and that they only depend on local revenue, which is inadequate.

The mayor also expressed concern over what he termed as poor waste disposal by the city dwellers.

He noted they had installed dustbins in the city, but they were destroyed after the residents mismanaged them.

Kaboyo said the dustbins were vandalised and taken by scrap dealers.

Steven ojoki, a member of Hoima City Development Forum representing security in Hoima east division, said there is a need to have bylaws against irresponsible disposal of garbage in the city and empower village chairpersons to enforce sanitation in their areas.  

Philip Byonabye, a city resident, expressed concern that few people participated in the exercise and called on Hoima city authorities to sensitise the public about the importance of having a clean environment.

Hoima East division town clerk Milton Asiimwe commended the residents and corporate companies, which turned to the exercise and urged the city dweller to embrace proper disposal of waste in their homes.

He added that the Keep Hoima City Clean campaign was initiated as a way of encouraging the residents to be part of the campaign for cleaning the city.