Efficiency of solid waste management in Kampala Capital City.

Abstract

Poor solid waste management is still a big problem in Kampala. This continues to be a source of diverse human health problems and multiple environmental concerns. In Kampala, KCCA has partnered with private companies to collect solid waste but only a small fraction of the waste generated is collected and this suggests inefficiency in the solid waste management system under KCCA. This study aimed at understanding the management and strategies for improvement as well as identifying the factors that influence the efficiency of collection of solid waste in KCCA. Structured interviews and observations were used to collect data from three parishes (Najjanankumbi, Luzira, Kabalagala) selected from each of the three of the five divisions that make up Kampala District. In total, 210 households participated in the study. In addition, health officers and private garbage collecting company workers in each of the three selected parishes participated in the study. Results of this study indicate that 51% of the population has no access to waste collection services. Further, results show that Najjanankumbi has better methods of managing the garbage as 26% of the respondents sort their solid waste while only 7% do so in the case of Luzira. In spite of having different alternatives to dust bin when it is full, 56% of households in Luzira, 54% in Najjanankumbi and 43% in Kabalagala practice burning instead of other methods which are less harmful to the environment as well as human health. The proposed solutions to poor solid waste management were: involvement of more experienced people to manage the activities while ensuring consistent and widespread services delivery, promoting solid waste management, initiating people to manage their garbage and expanding public awareness on issues like potential of solid waste in recycling industries, regulation of packaging materials, limiting use of packaging materials, and introduction of integrated solid waste management. In addition, early collection, provision of containers, containers to accessible distance, proper and regular dumping site and working in cooperation with others were suggested. Frequency of waste disposal and cost of collection services were found to be the major determinants of efficiency of solid waste collection in Kampala district. The implications of the findings of this study are discussed.