Exploring the potential for community participation in solid waste management in Highfields Harare

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to assess the potential for community participation in solid waste management. The study took place in Highfields, which is a suburb in Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe. Two approaches were used to collect the data: qualitative and quantitative approach. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with residents, resident representative and members of some prominent environmental groups. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires designed in such a way as to capture knowledge attitudes and perceptions. In the course of the study it emerged that people were more concerned with the visual and sanitary impacts of poorly managed or uncollected waste as opposed to the environmental impact. Moreover very few residents were aware of the environmental impacts of inappropriately managed waste. The study revealed that there was a prevailing culture of dependence on municipal management of solid waste. The mentality that waste management is the sole responsibility of municipal authorities is one of the greatest challenges that is proving to be an obstacle in integrating the community in waste management. It is concluded that though there is a definite need for improvement in the current solid waste management system the concept of the community playing a role is hindered by the prevailing attitude that the responsibility of waste management reset in the hands of municipal authorities. Copyright 2008, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Mlanda-Zvikaramba, JC 2008, Exploring the potential for community participation in solid waste management in Highfields Harare, MA dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03302012-113635 / > C12/4/4/gm