Reconstructing the process of outsourcing solid waste management in Tanzania local government authorities

This article examines the mismatch between the ideal process of outsourcing of solid waste management (SWM) services in Tanzania and the current reality on ground. To this end therefore, a comparative analysis of the outscoring process in the four local government authorities in Tanzania with variations in the outcome of the outsourced services was conducted. To reconstruct the process, documentary review and in-depth interviews with political and administrative officials of the council were conducted and these included solid waste management officials, planners and ward officials. Data that were informed in this study were also accrued through focus group discussions with service recipients. A significant mismatch was revealed between the ideal and the actual process of solid waste management in two selected cases, namely Moshi Municipal and Dodoma City Councils, while the other two cases (Arusha City and Meru District Councils) strictly comply with formal guidelines in place.