The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is expanding its privatization efforts for garbage collection services, targeting Tondiarpet and Anna Nagar zones. Following the successful implementation of privatization in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, the GCC has engaged a consultant to develop a detailed project report (DPR) for the two new zones. This report will analyze the feasibility and scope of privatization, setting the stage for the tendering process.
The DPR is expected to be finalized by August, potentially bringing the total number of privatized zones in Chennai to 14 out of 15, with only Ambattur zone remaining under direct GCC management. Permanent staff currently working in Tondiarpet and Anna Nagar zones will be reassigned to Ambattur.
Tondiarpet and Anna Nagar, collectively housing over 20 lakh residents, generate approximately 800MT of waste daily. The privatization agreement will be meticulously monitored through 43 key performance indicators, encompassing daily sweeping, manpower availability, machinery utilization, night road sweeping, door-to-door collection, and timely transportation. The GCC will provide private contractors with a base salary covering 50% of their compensation, with the remaining 50% contingent upon their performance.
This move comes in response to persistent complaints from Tondiarpet residents regarding the absence of sanitation workers and allegations of attendance manipulation. Civic activist R Ramesh highlights the inadequate state of current garbage collection in Tondiarpet, criticizing the indiscriminate collection of all waste types in a single trip, the lack of proper segregation, and the inconsistent collection schedule.
He also mentions instances of residents being threatened for voicing their concerns. The privatization of garbage collection services is anticipated to address these concerns, offering a more efficient and accountable system for waste management in these densely populated areas.
