| dc.description.abstract | Rapid economic growth and industrialization of the developing countries has created serious problems of solid waste disposal due to uncontrolled and unmonitored urbanization, inadequate inclusion of the waste generators (the public), financial and human resources. This research is a result of a study carried out to investigate the role of public participation in solid waste management. The main problem of concern is the lack of public inclusion in provision of basic services and infrastructure such as solid waste management. The study was carried out in Kawempe Ttula which is located in the south west of Kawempe division. The objectives of the study were to establish how solid waste is organized, the current and potential role the public plays to achieve effective solid waste management, the major challenges of The study involving the public in solid waste management and exploring ways of improving the same in Kawempe Ttula. The study used a descriptive research design. A total of 53 samples were taken out of which 35 were households, 15 market vendors, 2 local council officials and 1 group interview. The research found that solid waste management was carried out by private solid waste collectors, public, and Kampala Capital City Authority who collect and transport waste to kiteezi dumping site. The public played roles of waste collection, financing, sorting, transportation and recycling. Potential roles include composting, waste separation, involvement of children in SWM, introduction of solid waste containers at household level and reuse of waste. Identified challenges of involving the public in SWM were inadequate resources, poor attitudes, averseness to participation and SWM knowledge gaps. The study recommends active public participation in SWM, sensitization of the public, social networking with good-willed individuals, prioritization of SWM during annual budgets and plans to cover knowledge gaps of the people with the main aim of empowering, motivating and provoking them to constantly think of effective and efficient ways of SWM. Further research is required to explore the potential for enormous solid waste reduction at household level, potential for waste recycling and the possibilities of complete privatization of Solid Waste Management in Kawempe Ttula and other similar towns. | en_US |
