The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) is set to improve its waste management services by partnering with private companies. A recent agreement was reached between Amman Vision, GAM’s investment arm, and three private firms tasked with waste collection, transportation, and street cleaning in critical city areas. The municipalities aim to enhance operational standards through this initiative.
Implementation of Waste Management Plan
The agreement segments the city geographically among the participating companies. This approach ensures a competitive quality of service across the capital. While the private firms handle day-to-day operations, GAM will continue to oversee regulatory compliance. They will set technical performance standards, known as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and monitor service quality.
Real-time Monitoring and Compliance
Under the new plan, the private companies are expected to employ modern equipment, including vehicles equipped with GPS systems. This technology will allow GAM to monitor waste management activities in real-time, ensuring efficient service delivery. Any failure to meet service standards will result in financial penalties for the companies involved.
Employee Transition and Rights
Dr. Yousef Al-Shawarbeh, Chairman of the GAM Committee, highlighted that the transition to privatization will be voluntary. Workers in the waste management sector can choose to remain with GAM, where they will be reassigned to other roles not impacted by the privatization. Contracts signed with private firms will be transparent, ensuring that employee rights, including salaries and healthcare benefits, are safeguarded.
Sustainability Efforts with Al-Ghabawi Landfill
In addition to waste management changes, Al-Shawarbeh discussed the Al-Ghabawi Landfill project. This initiative partly covers around 45% of GAM’s electricity needs by generating energy from methane gas released during waste decomposition. The project not only reduces dependence on the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) but also contributes to financial savings and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Amman’s goal of becoming a leader among Arab cities in adopting Green City standards.
Strategic Goals of the Privatization Initiative
The partial privatization of waste management aims to achieve several strategic goals:
- Enhance operational efficiency and decrease vehicle maintenance costs.
- Encourage local investment by promoting joint municipal projects.
- Improve the urban landscape and hygiene levels in both residential and commercial areas.
- Shift focus from daily operations to planning and oversight roles.
Through these initiatives, GAM seeks to foster a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable environment in Amman.
