Municipal solid waste management: Constraints and opportunities to improve capacity of local government authorities of Phnom Penh Capital

Abstract

Solid waste management is a challenge for Phnom Penh city owing to the increasing volume of waste produced and insufficient collection capacity. Sustainable management is required in response to continuing population growth and urbanisation. This article aims to examine the status and constraints of solid waste management in Phnom Penh and discuss the performance of local government authorities to propose possible mechanisms and strategies to improve the system. Data were collected through literature reviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with the local government authorities. Six performance measures were used as assessment variables, including technical, environmental, institutional and organisational, financial and economic, social and cultural, and policy and legal factors. Limited institutional capacity and performance are the consequence of insufficient decentralisation power and allocation of budget and workforce for promoting technological and environmentally sustainable practices. Lack of cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies led to their unwillingness to participate in management performance. A decentralisation and provision of management services in the public–private partnership would enable operational procedures that enhance accountability, transparency, efficiency, and productivity at the local level.