Pemba City Council and UNDP Partner on Improved Solid Waste Management

The Pemba City Council (CMCP) in Mozambique and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a landmark agreement yesterday to enhance the city’s waste management capabilities. This collaborative effort, valued at approximately 63 million meticais (roughly $1 million USD), will focus on acquiring essential solid waste collection equipment for Pemba’s downtown area.

The official signing ceremony, held at the Pemba Hotel Express on June 26th, 2024, was attended by prominent figures including UNDP representative Samuel Akera.

Pemba Mayor Satar Abdulgani expressed his gratitude to UNDP and other UN agencies like OIM, UN-HABITAT, OCHA, and PMA for their continued support of local development initiatives. He emphasized the importance of this partnership, which stemmed from extensive discussions aligning with the Pemba City Council’s current priorities.

“We, the Pemba City Council, receive with gratitude this gesture of partnership and would like to invite all other United Nations agencies and civil society organizations to follow this example,” he stated highlighting the Council’s commitment to the efficient and sustainable use of the acquired equipment, aiming to extend your useful life.”

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the Pemba Municipality to showcase its ongoing efforts in areas like waste management, road maintenance, licensing regulations, and municipal system modernization. Mayor Abdulgani urged attendees to strengthen their support, particularly for displaced people and their host families.

“We are counting on the support and participation of everyone who lives and works in Pemba. Together, we can take Pemba to new heights,” Satar Abdulgani said, calling for unity and cooperation to transform the city into an example of sustainable and inclusive development.

He further highlighted that the agreement represents not merely a formal commitment but a significant step towards progress and well-being for Pemba’s communities.

The signing ceremony boasted the presence of distinguished guests and key partners, including:

• Samuel Akera, Councillor for Stabilization and Recovery/Head of the UNDP Office in Cabo Delgado
• Justina Tauabo, Permanent Secretary of the Pemba District Government
• Frederico João, representing Civil Society
• Representatives from other UN Agencies

This collaborative initiative between the Pemba City Council and UNDP signifies a crucial step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for Pemba.