Transforming Jaffna: The Remarkable Journey of the ‘Jaffna Clean City’ Project

Introduction

In recent years, after the civil war, the city of Jaffna has undergone a significant transformation and it became a notable hotspot to attract commuters and tourists with its tourism potential and its long history. As the project lead, I had the privilege of being part of this inspiring initiative, which aimed to create a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment for the residents of Jaffna. In this article, I will delve into the journey of the Clean City project, highlighting its objectives, challenges faced, and the remarkable outcomes achieved.

The Need for Change

Jaffna, a vibrant city in Northern Sri Lanka, has long been known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. However, rapid urbanization and population growth brought about a range of challenges, including inadequate waste management, pollution, and deteriorating infrastructure. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the enthusiastic youths and youth organizations in Jaffna initiated the Jaffna Clean City project to address these pressing issues and transform Jaffna into a sustainable and livable city.

Jaffna Clean City (JCC)

The main project objective is to foster inclusive governance in urban waste management in the city of Jaffna by building community capacity through a participatory planning and governance mechanism; the Jaffna Clean City Council. The Jaffna Clean City Council would facilitate interaction between community stakeholders, the municipality and other government authorities to co-create a livable city center, mainly focusing on its beautification and urban waste management which will emphasize the revitalization of Jaffna’s urban landscape and enhancing the quality of life.

I was led this youth team for the social change we all foreseen in cleanliness of the city. During this period, I have written many grant proposals along with the team to get the fund to carryout this project. Sri Lankan Unites, UNDP, USAID and The Canada fund for Local Initiatives are some of such grant proposals. I have learned the qualitative research methodology and developed the methodology for this research (Soft system methodology).

This project was financially supported by ‘The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives’ program with the collaboration of Tamil diaspora organization along with local youth organizations.

During this project, I have pitched the project to different arenas like Municipal council, UNDP, Chamber of Commerce and many other government, non-government and international organizations to make them in the Clean City Movement.

I have facilitated, designed the questions and organized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with different stakeholders group (i.e; Central Environmental Authority, Archelogy or cultural significant places, schools, municipal council and etc.) to identify the existing waste management practices and the challenges they face. We have developed waste management protocols with the relevant stakeholder group.

I have organized and coordinated cleanup campaigns in public places like beach and fort. We did this to make the awareness and implement the developed waste management protocols on the ground.

Time to time I have been engaged in the advocacy campaigns to disseminate the project goals to the public and network more citizens in the project.

Lesson learned:

Leading the Jaffna Clean City project in Jaffna was an incredible learning experience, both personally and professionally. As a team lead, I encountered numerous challenges and witnessed remarkable achievements. Here are some of the valuable lessons I learned throughout the journey:

Collaboration is Key: The success of any large-scale project relies on effective collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and the community. Building strong partnerships, fostering open communication, and promoting a shared vision are vital for achieving project goals. By working together with various entities like universities, NGOs, International organizations and etc., we were able to pool resources, expertise, and support to overcome challenges and drive positive change.

Flexibility and Adaptability: As a team lead, I learned the importance of quickly assessing situations, adjusting strategies, and finding alternative solutions. Embracing change and maintaining a proactive mindset allowed us to navigate challenges and keep the project on track.

Empowerment through Community Engagement through participatory approach: Involving the local community in the project was instrumental in its success. I have learned soft system methodology and adapted the ideas when developing the project methodology. Focus group discussions, advocacy campaigns, litter surveys are some components used in this project. Empowering community members, businesses, and organizations to take ownership of the Clean City initiatives created a sense of pride and responsibility. By actively engaging with the community, we were able to garner their support, promote behavioral changes, and sustain the project's impact.

Patience and Persistence: Transforming a city requires patience and persistence. Large-scale projects, such as the Clean City initiative, often face bureaucratic obstacles, funding constraints, and resistance to change. As a team lead, I learned the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Celebrating small victories, staying focused on the ultimate goals, and consistently advocating for the project's objectives helped us overcome challenges and move forward.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Developing key performance indicators, collecting data, and conducting assessments allowed us to gauge the impact of our interventions. This feedback loop helped us make informed decisions, adjust strategies, and optimize resource allocation, ensuring the project's effectiveness and sustainability.

Environmental Consciousness: Working on the Jaffna Clean City project heightened my awareness of environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices especially in Jaffna. Integrating environmentally friendly solutions, such as waste management systems, green infrastructure, not only contributed to the project's success but also highlighted the significance of environmental sustainability in urban development.

Leadership and Team Development: As a team lead, I discovered the significance of effective leadership and team development. Inspiring and motivating team members, providing guidance, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment were essential in maximizing the team's potential. Investing in their growth and recognizing their contributions created a cohesive and high-performing team.

The journey reinforced the belief that sustainable urban development is not only about infrastructure but also about nurturing a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride within the community. These lessons will continue to guide me in future projects, as I strive to create positive change and contribute to the betterment of cities and communities around the world.