MODERN technology is making it easier to identify solid waste producers, to reach users and collect such material, the government affirms.

Geofrey Pinda, the Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements deputy minister, said at an international conference yesterday that evaluations show that this technology has achieved 129 percent efficiency compared to earlier capacity.

It has helped in identifying producers and areas where solid waste is predominantly generated compared to conventional collection systems, enabling an improvement in community involvement in urban development.

The government comprehends the importance of citizen contributions in urban planning and development, he said, airing the view that urban dwellers are fully engaged in the process.

This approach has proven beneficial in urban planning and management, he stated, citing Mianzini area in Arusha city, where various community groups were involved in preparing a development plan for the area.

"Senior citizens, youth, women and local leaders were engaged and their voices were heard. This is also a great innovation that brings solutions for tomorrow's cities," he declared.

He made these remarks when delivering a country viewpoint at the plenary session of an international conference on cities taking place in the Austrian capital of Vienna, leading the country’s delegation. 

Themed: "Innovative Solutions for Tomorrow's Cities," the three conferences starting Wednesday involve government officials and independent experts in managing urban growth and development from wide ranging, participating states.

The government's decision to relocate the capital to Dodoma, the use of electronic systems in land matters, setting up a National Center for Innovation and Training in Geographic Information, and various improvements were improving urban growth management as a whole.

Praising the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for organizing the conference, he said it would contribute to sharing innovations and new methods for developing tomorrow's cities.

The conference was organised to discuss and share innovative solutions for tomorrow's cities and provide opportunities for member countries to exchange experiences for the sustainable future of cities for all people around the world, organisers affirmed.