Social and economical impact of a solid waste management system on the residents of Chongwe.

Abstract

Zambia, like many other third world countries is experiencing unprecedented population growth of cities and towns. This is evidenced through the rate of urban growth, Chongwe district is no exception. Chongwe district is developing at a fast rate due to over population in Lusaka. The total number of residents was recorded as 192,303 in 2010 (CSO 2010) with a steady growth rate of 4% per annum, it is estimated that currently the population is 238,455 with 22,000 households and 250 business premises. This means that the generation of waste has increased from the amounts recorded in 2010 to the current figures which will be recorded in 2017. The increase in the population figures has a series of implications on every aspect of people‟s socio-economic and cultural life style. The provision of safe and clean water, electricity, and housing for instance has become inadequate and hence solid waste generation and disposal has become a serious challenge. Solid waste management systems play a significant role in the management of waste where an appropriate system is structured and effectively implemented The purpose of this study was to evaluate the social and economic impact of a solid waste management system of Chongwe residents. The objective of the study was to carry out an assessment of how an effective Solid waste management system would affect the residents of Chongwe socially and economically. In this research, an effective solid waste management system is considered to be a system that provides for the effective storage, collection and disposal of waste to prevent disease and any other effects. The research methodology used was descriptive and both qualitative and quantitative analyses were accommodated. The results in this study are based on three residential and fifteen commercial premises of Chongwe. This research reviewed a number of national and local reports on solid waste management in order to understand the national and local state of the field. It also used the direct interview technique and questionnaire administration to obtain data on the social and economic aspects of the research. It is also important to understand that a waste management system should ideally consist of environmentally acceptable waste management practices that are aimed at minimizing waste generation from both domestic and industrial/commercial activities. This study determined that in order for a solid waste management system to be effective, there has to be collaboration between the community participation and government. Local government authorities are entrusted with the responsibility for the provision of solid waste collection and disposal services. It is the responsibility of the local government through the respective councils to establish technical agencies that will authorize contracting of private enterprises and informal businesses (community based enterprises) to provide waste management services. This study also concluded that involving formal and informal sectors in the management of waste will improve service delivery and provide social and economic empowerment for the residents and the various sectors involved.