98 JAAP BROEKEMA
The total expenditure on privatised solid waste collection almost tripled after the latest
reform. Unfortunately, it proved impossible to discover how the rise in expenditure
was paid for (see also chapter 3).
Another major consequence of privatising solid waste collection for the MCH, espe-
cially since the introduction of the unit system, was the restructuring and upgrading of
the supervision and monitoring system. Advocates of privatisation always claim that
it is easier to check the performance of private operators than that of government agen-
cies. In Hyderabad 52 Sanitary Supervisors are in charge of the day-to-day supervision
of the private contractors However, their work suffers from several drawbacks. First
of all, the workload of the sanitary inspectors varies tremendously, with some
covering only a few units and others many more. Secondly, the supervisors have to
register any shortfalls in the service provided by the contractor and to register these at
the Circle Office. On the basis of these reports the Commissioner of the MCH can
calculate the deductions from the contractual amount due to the entrepreneurs
depending on the type and frequency of the violation. However, the supervisors prima-
rily pay attention to task performance – proper street cleansing and removal of waste
from the collection points – while requirements with respect to labour conditions are
neglected, partly because they think this surpasses their responsibility. Thirdly, files
of the infractions made by individual contractors are not kept. Therefore, the MCH is
not capable of making a distinction between well and poorly performing contractors
at the time of awarding new contracts. Finally, the entire system is sensitive to corrup-
tion. It is common knowledge that deals are made between Sanitary Supervisors and
contractors in order to prevent reporting of shortfalls. It is interesting to note that the
current system also attributes a monitoring role to the community. In almost every unit
a citizen committee was set up, comprising of 10-15 members After the contractors
have finished their work they have to collect a signature of at least three members,
indicating approval of the work. The bills of the contractor will not be passed without
these signatures. Although these requirements certainly contribute to better perform-
ance, they are not free from manipulation either.
5.4. POSITION OF THE CONTRACTORS IN THE NEW UNIT SYSTEM
This section discusses the results of a small survey among the private contractors In
total 28 interviews were carried out of which 10 had a profound character. Initially the
contractors were contacted on the basis of a list that was provided by the MCH, after
which, often with the assistance of the Sanitary Supervisors, appointments were made.
In most cases the interviews were held at the house of the contractor.
Socio-cultural background
The vast majority of the interviewed contractors are Hindu (90 percent) and many of
them are Reddys. Together with Kammas and Velamas they belong to indigenous