Safa Nepal
Safa Nepal (an updated version of Nepal Waste Map) is an open-data waste management and data collection system implemented by Clean up Nepal. It consists of a web-based dashboard and mobile application and has been developed to allow municipalities to undertake powerful analysis of waste-related data; provide waste collection and management information; and enable citizens to report waste dumping, burning, and irregular or untimely waste collection services.
In 2017, solution-oriented research was undertaken to capture key functional and operational data of the existing waste management system in Kathmandu. More than 70 private waste management companies are operational in Kathmandu valley as per the Solid Waste Management Association of Nepal (SWMAN) and 33 of these private companies provide waste collection services in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). While the private sector caters to 60 percent of households, businesses and institutions in KMC, the Government waste management body, KMC Environment Management Department, takes care of major roadways, public spaces, and a few households and institutions. Given the diversity and lack of appropriate waste management data among the Government and private bodies, they are often found working in isolation and providing organic and ad hoc services to the public. A communication and data platform to ensure synergy among government, private waste management entities, and civil society was a need of the hour.
An evidence-based understanding was essential to bring about the needed reforms in the waste sector. The research entailed the development of Safa Nepal, a comprehensive technology platform that would provide reliable operational and functional data on the waste management system and serve as a tool to assist in waste management endeavors. The user-friendly platform gives waste management entities the ability to plan, monitor, collaborate, and communicate with each other and optimize public participation to streamline the entire waste management system. Furthermore, Safa Nepal with varied levels of data management access and public participation feature ensures that the data is kept up-to-date and context-specific for its long-term sustainability within the municipalities and cities of Nepal.
Safa Nepal is a Clean up Nepal initiative developed in partnership with The Asia Foundation and Development Initiatives. It is supported by the Data for Development program funded by DFID- UK. The platform enables stakeholder synergy and data-driven solutions to help improve waste management services and practices.
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