Wadi-Otba’s Waste Management Plan

The Wadi-Otba’s Waste Management Plan is a new development initiative for the municipality of Wadi Otba in south-western Libya.¹ This project stands out as it pilots locally led solid-waste solutions in a fragile, post-conflict context where service delivery has long been disrupted.² Initiated in 2022 under the EU-funded ISAL programme, the plan supports strengthening municipal governance and decentralized service provision across Libya.^{3 4}

Its vision is to “make everyone part of the municipal waste-management plan”.⁵ It aims to create a participatory model by strengthening municipal capacity for waste management,⁶ engaging civil-society organisations in service delivery,⁷ and mainstreaming gender by actively involving women in decision-making processes.⁸

To achieve this vision, the municipality introduced a structured local plan for waste management. This plan covers the entire municipal territory, spanning several rural settlements.⁹ its implementation tools include:^{10 11}

• The provision of two refuse trucks and two tractors to improve collection logistics,
• Establishment of a municipal waste team composed of local staff and CSO volunteers,
• Community-awareness campaigns that encourage household sorting, recycling, and clean-up days.

The plan also integrates sustainability by promoting source separation, reducing illegal dumping,¹² and incorporating participatory planning methods that combine international best practice with local knowledge.¹³ Special features include a gender-mainstreamed outreach strategy that highlights women’s roles in environmental stewardship.¹⁴

The project is managed by the Municipality of Wadi Otba with support from VNG International and local civil-society organisations.¹⁵ At the national and international level, it is framed within ISAL program, a joint effort of the Libyan Ministry of Local Governance, the European Union, VNG International, and GIZ.¹⁶
The project’s implementation is divided into phases:^{17 18}

• Phase 1 (2022): Needs assessment and stakeholder mapping.
• Phase 2 (2023): Delivery of equipment and launch of collection services.
• Phase 3 (2024 – ongoing): Capacity-building, monitoring, and community campaigns.

Currently, the project is ongoing, with collection services operational and training activities underway.¹⁹ Upon completion, the Wadi-Otba’s Waste Management Plan is expected to deliver cleaner neighbourhoods, stronger municipal services, and a replicable model for other Libyan towns facing similar waste challenges.²⁰