The role and effectiveness of private sector companies in solid waste management in Lusaka, Zambia.
Date
2020
Authors
Diangamo, Mutinta Nakauma
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Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study explored the role and effectiveness of private companies in Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Lusaka, Zambia. Drawing from two private companies – Acka Foods and Twincare – operating in medium density residential areas of Chilenje and Chelstone. The objectives of this qualitative study were to: examine policy and legal guidelines promoting private sector participation in SWM in Zambia; examine management practices of the companies in the management of solid waste; determine the role of other key stakeholders in SWM in the operation areas; and analyse challenges faced by private companies in the management of solid waste in Lusaka city. A case study research design was employed and respondents were mainly selected based on purposive sampling. Twelve (12) key informant interviews were conducted with staff from Acka Foods Company, Twincare Company, Lusaka City Council (LCC) and Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). A total of twenty (20) questionnaires were administered to households; 10 households in Chilenje and 10 households in Chelstone residential areas. Data was analyzed qualitatively through the thematic approach where written or spoken information was converted into data that could be analysed and interpreted. It was noted during data collection that there was inadequate enforcement of policy guidelines promoting private sector participation in SWM as some households did not have knowledge of these private companies in their areas hence low participation in SWM. Results revealed that companies collected waste weekly but not on specific days. The quantities of waste collected and deposited at the designated dumpsite in Chunga was fluctuating but generally low. Further, the study revealed that the LCC and ZEMA whose roles among others include monitoring of private companies and Waste Management Districts, conducted monitoring inspections quarterly and not on a daily basis as per the Local Government (Solid Waste Management) Regulations, 2011. Furthermore, the study revealed that some of the challenges faced by private companies in SWM were financial constraints, inadequate vehicles, low levels of compliance to pay by households and inadequate enforcement of SWM laws. In conclusion, this study revealed that private sector participation in SWM in Zambia remained low and less effective. Private sector participation in SWM and its effectiveness had been affected by diverse factors – internally and externally. Internally, private companies lacked appropriate machinery for solid waste collection such as compactors, skip trucks and tipper trucks as per policy requirement. External factors included poor client compliance in paying service fees which affected the revenue base for the companies hence companies could not procure and repair equipment/machinery. Some of the consequences had been infrequent and limited collection of waste by private companies. Therefore, the study recommends that Government should also improve the capacity of the local councils and ZEMA in the area of finances, equipment and manpower as well as providing incentives such as reduction import tax for SWM vehicles. Robust awareness should be created by Government on the need to continually use the services of private companies and on the existing laws on waste management in order to ensure adherence from citizens and to avoid the high rate of waste generation.
Keywords: effectiveness, Lusaka, private companies, solid waste management, Zambia
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Keywords
Solid waste management--Zambia. , Refuse and refuse disposal--Zambia.