Abstract
This paper describes how the restructuring process of the 1990s has improved the solid and liquid house waste management systems in Cotonou, the largest urban area of Benin – but also how the deepening economic crisis impinges on the proper functioning of this process, which is why results achieved through sectoral planning are meagre when compared to expectation. Its main focus is on the structural and organizational aspects of the reforms with an emphasis on liquid and solid house waste management. Stakeholder and institutional analyses are used to evaluate their impact. These show persistent government failure – mainly with regard to coordinating different actors and activities, supplying supportive infrastructure, and taking needed steps towards instituting a real dialogue between all stakeholders. The piecemeal approach to interventions by diverse actors is damaging to the reforms and more government intervention is needed in these areas of the provision process for effective and efficient waste management systems.