Social habits in solid waste management: A study of Makindye and Nakawa Divisions

Abstract

The study assess the role of social habits in solid waste management, using a case study of Nakawa and Makindye Divisions in Kampala city. By social habits in relation to solid waste management, the researcher was reviewing the unacceptable social habits, such habits affect the community negatively. Whereas urban authorities have elaborate legislation governing the management of solid waste in their areas of operation, the general cleanliness of urban areas is still unsatisfactory.

The specific objectives of the study were; To examine the social habits in the way solid waste is generated. To analyse the social habits in the way solid waste is disposed. To assess the attitudes of the people towards solid waste management. To find out how urban authorities can meaningfully handle the everincreasing amount of solid waste in light of the peoples’ social habits.

The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Qualitative data collection was based on the key themes in the study like examining the social habits in the way Solid waste is generated, analyzing the attitudes of the people towards Solid waste. Unstructured questionnaires were used to collect data, these questionnaires were administered to key informants and other selected community residents and business communities. The key respondents were chosen by virtue of their occupation in Kampala City Council while the other field respondents were selected randomly.

The interview guides were also used to collect data from the business communities and residents, available records were also utilized. Quantitative data collection mainly centered on both the independent and dependent variables. The independent variables included installing attitude change while the dependant variable was mainly based on proper solid waste management.

The area of study was Makindye and Nakawa divisions, these divisions were randomly selected because they are in areas which have a lot of activity like trade and the population constitutes of a variety of people who are of different age groups, social background and education levels. The study was broadly divided into two that is the people responsible for the overall management of solid waste Kampala City Council and the general business community and residents in the two divisions. In Makindye, Katwe market and kasule zone were the selected study areas while in Nakawa, Nakawa market and the residents around the market.

The major findings of the research study indicate that the measures taken by Kampala City Council in solid waste management had little impact due to the social habits among the population. That’s why this area was an important study so as to find out measures of managing the social habits in solid waste management.

Finally the report concluded by recommending measures that should be undertaken in order to amend the social habits in solid waste management like installing more disposal bins, law enforcement, system design, public awareness and education and finally good cultures should be strengthened.