Factors affecting the implementation of solid waste management policies in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)

Abstract

The study examined the factors affecting the implementation of solid waste management policies in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The study was guided by the following study objectives; to examine the existing policies and institutional mechanisms of managing solid waste; to determine the factors that affect effective implementation of policies on waste management; and to propose mechanisms to improve solid waste management at KCCA. The study utilised descriptive and case study research designs, where self-administered questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from 56 respondents. Data was analysed using SPSS (V20). The findings on the existing policies and institutional mechanisms of managing solid waste at KCCA revealed that KCCA contracted companies to collect and dispose solid waste; and the solid waste equipment and facilities were generally available in most parts of the city. There were well gazetted dumping sites of solid waste and a clearly laid out solid waste collection framework was in place. The findings on the factors affecting effective implementation of policies and mechanisms on waste management revealed a number of daunting challenges which include; lack of information about relevant technologies for solid waste management; poor attitude towards organized and hygienic waste disposal; poor supervision of solid management processes; understaffing on the part of contractors; and uncertainty about the required investment in solid waste management. Among the suggested policy and institutional mechanisms to improve solid waste management at KCCA were adoption of public private partnerships of solid waste management; establish a just-in-time strategy of solid waste management; undertake capacity building for contractors; address the discrepancies in the policies & laws that govern solid waste management; and set out a strategy to manage contractor and public grievances on solid waste collection & disposal among others. These would greatly cause the desired improvement in the policy and institutional mechanisms to solid waste management at KCCA. The study recommends, that management of KCCA should make efforts to ensure that the processes used during solid waste management are able to support adequate participation of key stakeholders, effective communication, information sharing, capacity building among others.