It’s time to see waste not as a problem, but as a possibility

"We work day and night to keep the city clean, but why is our own life neglected?" – This question from Sabina Ghalan Moktan resonates deeply. She is one of the many workers engaged in waste management, tirelessly keeping the city clean. However, she rarely found an opportunity to bring change to her own life. But now, things have started to change.

With support from Raja Foundation, France, Samyukta Safai Jagaran conducted a 15-day training program from March 11 to 25, aimed at improving the living standards of waste management workers. The program focused on making shoes and slippers from discarded fabric. Sabina participated in this training, and her confidence has significantly grown. "Now, we are not just managing waste; we can also earn from it," she says.

However, a big challenge remains in her mind—"How do we take these shoes and slippers to the market? We have no workspace, and even if we produce, there’s no established market."

To solve this issue for Sabina and other trainees, Bal Krishna Maharjan, Ward Chairperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 12 and Coordinator of the Environment Committee, has taken the initiative. "We will provide a workspace for those who have acquired this skill. Not only that, but we will also establish an outlet to sell their products," Maharjan assures.

"We are creating opportunities for ourselves," says Shanti Tamang, President of the Samyukta Safai Jagaran. "We work tirelessly to keep the city clean, yet our own standard of living remains poor. That’s why we started this organization—to become self-reliant."

The organization initially selected 18 participants, out of which 10 were chosen for further professional training to help them establish themselves in the industry. According to Project Manager Janu Dongol, the initiative is not just about skill development but also about making their products commercially viable. Technical Advisor Nirmal Singdel adds, "If we can promote the concept of the green economy, waste management can be turned into an opportunity."

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has adopted a policy to reduce waste at dumping sites, and around 13% of the city’s waste consists of fabric-related materials. Maharjan states, "If we can reuse even the fabric scraps from garment factories and tailors to create sources of income, it will contribute both to environmental conservation and income generation."

Women like Sabina are no longer confined to just collecting waste. They are on their way to becoming entrepreneurs. Now, the question arises—should waste management be viewed merely as a sanitation service, or should it be transformed into an opportunity for economic growth? The example set by the Samyukta Safai Jagaran Organization is truly inspiring. It’s time to see waste not as a problem, but as a possibility.