The municipality of Tchaoudjo 1, located in Togo’s Central Region, has taken a major step toward improving environmental management by adopting a new local policy on waste management and sanitation. The official launch took place at the end of November in Sokodé under the Waste Management in Togo (GEDEC) project. The initiative receives financial support from the European Union and technical assistance from Expertise France. Local authorities describe the new document as a strategic tool that will guide waste governance for the next decade.
The policy covers the period from 2025 to 2035. It introduces a structured approach designed to make waste management more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive. Municipal leaders say the long-term plan allows them to map out clear objectives and adapt gradually to the growing challenges linked to population expansion and urbanization. As Sokodé continues to grow, the volume of household waste, market waste, and wastewater has increased, making coordinated action even more necessary.
A key feature of the policy is the involvement of multiple stakeholders. The municipality intends to work closely with community leaders, private operators, women’s groups, youth associations, and sanitation committees. Officials believe that collaboration at all levels will strengthen implementation and encourage residents to participate actively in keeping their environment clean. They also stress that waste management cannot succeed without strong community ownership.
Furthermore, the document covers both solid and liquid waste. It proposes a more organized system for pre-collection activities within neighborhoods. This includes clearer routes for waste collectors, scheduled collection days, and standardized collection points. The policy also outlines procedures for transporting waste to the engineered landfill. Municipal teams will monitor this process more rigorously to prevent illegal dumping and reduce pollution.
In addition, the plan emphasizes environmental protection. It promotes better sorting methods so that recyclable materials can be recovered more easily. The municipality hopes that stronger recycling initiatives will reduce the amount of waste that ends up at the landfill. This approach also aligns with the national goal of promoting the circular economy and reducing environmental degradation.
Monitoring and evaluation form another important part of the policy. The municipality plans to create a tracking mechanism that measures how waste is collected, handled, and disposed of. This system will help identify gaps, improve efficiency, and ensure that private operators respect waste-handling standards. Local authorities believe that regular monitoring will help maintain discipline and transparency within the waste management sector.
Education and awareness also stand at the center of the new strategy. The municipality wants to educate residents about proper waste disposal practices. Through workshops, community meetings, and local campaigns, households will receive guidance on sorting waste, maintaining clean surroundings, and avoiding practices that harm public health. Officials say that behavioral change is essential for achieving long-lasting results.
Through the GEDEC project, Tchaoudjo 1 will also benefit from improved equipment and training. These resources will help municipal teams strengthen their technical capacity and respond quickly to sanitation issues. Local leaders see this policy as more than a document; they describe it as a roadmap for cleaner streets, healthier communities, and a more resilient urban environment.
As implementation begins, the municipality hopes that the new policy will transform waste management practices and contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for residents.
