The role of community participation in solid waste management in Zimbabwe: The case of Nyanga township

Abstract

The study was conducted in Nyanga rural district council which has the mandate to run the affairs of Nyanga township. The research focused on the role of community participation in improving solid waste management in Nyanga township. The research was based on a descriptive survey with clusters and simple random sampling being used to come up with subjects for the study. Triangulation of data collection tools was also employed to ensure reliability and validity of the results, although the aspect of literacy is a key assumption on the use of questionnaires amongst communities. Improper solid waste management is a public health disaster risk that has largely been attributed to the historical bubonic plague in the developed world as well as the recent epidemics of cholera and typhoid in Zimbabwean cities, including the study area. The involvement of NGOs and WASH Projects in Nyanga largely, led to the reduction of illegal dumpsites, with community and school health clubs having played a pivotal role in promoting responsible citizenry. It was noted that separation of waste particularly at the household level was not being done, thereby exacerbating waste generation. The enforcement of relevant legislation on solid waste management was fragmented, with Environmental Management Act being enforced partly by EMA officials mainly towards corporate, industries, and not individuals. Other relevant actors like the Ministry of Health administers, Public Health Act and urban councils Act, parallel to the EMA statutes. Nyanga Rural District Council has to come up with specific by-laws on solid waste management and capacity building to enhance the sustainability of community health clubs and other community sustainable integrated solid waste management initiatives. The research focused on the role of community participation in solid waste management initiatives by individuals, community groups, or community-based organisations.