The selection criteria of competent solid waste collection service providers through outsourcing: the experiences of local government Authorities in Tanzania

Abstract

In Tanzania, Solid Waste collection is a public service that has been decentralised to Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and as such, the outsourcing model, adopted by Tanzanian councils is deemed as the most effective in forging a lasting solution to solid waste management. This study therefore analysed the role of the outsourcing criteria in the acquisition of a competent solid waste management service provider. A cross sectional exploratory case study was conducted to examine the implementation of the selection criteria for Solid Waste Collection service providers. The purposive selection of the 21council members and staff, who participated in the semi structured interviews, was informed by their direct involvement in the solid waste collection service provider selection process in the four purposively selected LGAs. Documentary review was also conducted to support empirical data, which was thematically analysed using the framework approach. Mixed findings were revealed in regard to LGAs adherence to the solid waste service provider standard selection criteria stipulated in the Public Procurement Act of 2011, since level of adherence varied across LGAs. Two out of the four LGAs, adhered to the eight selection criteria guidelines had secured service providers with the capacity of collecting more than 80% of solid waste generated. The other two LGAs (Moshi Municipality and Dodoma City Council) which disregarded stipulated standard service provider selection criteria had the capacity to collect76% and 43% of generated solid waste respectively. The level of adherence to standard selection criteria guidelines is a major determinant of successful outsourcing of solid waste collection in Tanzania’s LGAs. Stringent application of the stipulated selection criteria for successful solidwaste collection outsourcing process is thus strongly recommended.