The Chennai Metropolitan Corporation’s Public and Private Partnership in Waste Management – Creating Sustainable Public Infrastructure

Health is the fundamental requirement for human existence. Providing quality health services is a primary objective of municipal local governance. In cities like Chennai, with a large population, the municipal and private partnerships aim to build and maintain public infrastructure to support quality waste management. This is a crucial responsibility of the Chennai Metropolitan Corporation.

In the interest of improving the health conditions of Chennai’s citizens, the Chennai Metropolitan Corporation has partnered with private entities (contractors) to construct and maintain public waste management systems. This project involves various phases: design, construction, financing, operations, and maintenance under the “Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer (DBFOT)” model. The scheme focuses on building new waste management facilities and upgrading existing ones. These projects are designed to be operational for 8 years, with maintenance provided after construction. The scheme is structured around the Hybrid Annuity Model.

Under this initiative, the design and construction of new waste management systems and their maintenance are handled with a high level of integration and monitoring, including the development of a Centralized Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) to ensure quality control. This system provides an essential tool for contractors to oversee waste management operations effectively.

In the first phase, 372 public and private waste management units across Chennai’s 5th, 6th, and 9th zones were approved. This includes a total of 3,270 new and upgraded facilities valued at Rs. 430.11 crore, with the contractors actively involved in implementing the services. Approximately 70% of the work has been completed, and the remaining systems are under maintenance. As a result, the scheme is already generating positive feedback from the public for the quality of service.

This project is benefiting the citizens of Chennai by providing cleaner, more effective waste management services, which will lead to improved public health. Waste management operations are being monitored through independent engineers, ensuring high-quality service.

In Chennai, under Package-1 of this initiative, the first phase of construction began with the establishment of new waste management systems, setting the stage for future expansion. As a result, 1,002 facilities with 7,166 waste bins were completed. This plan includes the development of 2,301 waste management units in Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 under Scheme-2 and 2,760 units in Zones 7, 8, 9, and 10 under Scheme-3. Under Scheme-4, 2,105 new waste management units are planned for Zones 11 to 15.

The concessionaire responsible for the operation and maintenance of these systems will be monitored based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Independent engineers will ensure the systems meet high standards.

The project was approved by the government at a cost of Rs. 1,202 crore, with the administration’s approval to proceed with its implementation. The successful execution of this project will significantly improve the health and sanitation conditions of Chennai’s residents, thereby enhancing the quality of life.

Source: Director, Public Relations Department, Chennai-9