Bamako Faces Garbage Crisis, Donkey Carts to the Rescue

— In the bustling city of Bamako, home to over 3 million residents, waste management has become a pressing issue as the population has more than doubled in recent years. Amidst the challenges, Yacouba Diallo has taken a unique approach to garbage collection, using donkey carts named after his cousins, Keita and Kanté. These carts are increasingly favored for their ability to navigate congested streets and reach areas inaccessible to larger trucks, offering a cost-effective solution to the city's waste crisis. Despite the ingenuity of local waste collectors like Diallo, the overall conditions for garbage management remain dire. Ideally, collected waste should be transported to a transfer site before being taken to a landfill. However, Diallo points out that many institutions responsible for waste management are failing to fulfill their roles, exacerbating the problem. The lack of infrastructure and support has left the city struggling to cope with its growing waste. In response to the crisis, the World Bank approved a $250 million initiative in 2022 aimed at rehabilitating an existing landfill and constructing a new one to meet international standards. Local authorities recognize the severity of the waste disposal issue, yet many residents are reluctant to pay for garbage collection services. Instead, some resort to dumping waste into running water during the rainy season, further complicating the situation. As Bamako grapples with its waste management challenges, the sight of residents scavenging through garbage heaps highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to protect public health and safety.