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Challenges of waste management in Filabusi town council of Matabeleland south province in Zimbabwe as from 2017 to 2019

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Matebeleland South Regional Campus, Gwanda, Zimbabwe
  • 2Muchavezi High School, Gwanda, Zimbabwe

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 12, Issue (2), Pages 21-29, July,22 (2023)

Abstract

The study was carried out to establish the challenges of waste management in Filabusi Town Council that is threatening the environment. The study used a mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The researchers opted to use a case study research design. 80 people comprising of 1 Town clerk, 9 ward councillors, 10 members of the resident association, 10 engineers, 40 refuse collection council employees and 10 staff members from the local government were used as the target population. Since the population was small all the 80 people were used in the survey. The findings indicate that the waste management systems used in Filabusi Town are landfill, refuse collection, burning and composting. The effects of poor waste management in Filabusi Town Council are that it contributes to breeding places for rodents and other nuisance animals which can be vectors of communicable diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid. Waste can also block drainage systems, increase the incidence of flooding, and lead to surface and ground water pollution. Other effects include injuries to refuse collectors as a result of contact glass materials, razor blades and syringes. Tissue damage or infection can also occur as a result of contact with waste materials through respiration, ingestion or skin contact. Hazardous chemicals from the waste can leak into the soil. The major challenges of waste management in Filabusi Town Council are the old waste collection vehicles which breakdown frequently because of their age and lack of service. The country is also experiencing a shortage of foreign currency to buy new waste collection cars and spare parts. There is also shortage of waste management staff and the unavailability of fuel due to the fuel crisis during that period. The withdrawal of donor support also had a negative impact on waste management activities. The collection of money from residents is erratic as residents are also negatively affected by the poor economic environment. The study achieved the research objectives where the systems used for waste management were identified, the effects of poor waste management, the challenges and ways to improve poor waste management.

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