Public participation in solid waste management a case of Mbarara municipality
Abstract
The management of solid waste stands as the most visible environment problem facing Mbarara and is attaining a worrisome dimension with urbanization increment rate. The main aim of this study was to explore the level of public participation in solid waste management in Mbarara District, in light of the challenges and prospects for future management. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying the main sources of waste; finding out the solid waste management practices and factors that influence it. The design consists of administering questionnaires to representative samples of the population at a single point in time (Robert & Tripez, 2005).
Results from ANOVA table (F-test = 2.012; Prob > F = 0.008) reveal further that those that did not have any container at their shops generally had little waste produced in their households while those that had containers had a substantial amount of waste as showed by the results. Chi-square table revealed that except for marital status, gender and agency responsible for disposal and managing waste significantly influenced participation in Solid waste management.
This study revealed that even with enormous participation of traders and residents, solid waste quantities are ever increasing, but the problem faced by Mbarara City Council to render effective and consistent solid waste collection and disposal services in the business district center remains unabated. The Mbarara Municipal council should increase equipment to meet the capacity of solid waste collection and disposal.