Spatial distribution of waste dumping sites and its impact on environmental health in Kampala city: A case study of Lubya ward.

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to examine the Spatial Distribution of waste dumping Sites and its impact on the Environment Health in Kampala city: A case study Lubya Ward. The study had the following specific objectives; To locate and map waste dumping sites in Lubya ward, to examine the factors that account for the spatial distribution of waste dumping sites on Environment in Lubya Ward ,to examine the impact of the spatial distribution of waste dumping sites on the Environmental health in Lubya Ward, to suggest measures that can be put in place to ensure that waste management in Lubya Ward is environmentally friendly. Primary and secondary data was acquired using both the quantitative and qualitative methodologies of research. Primary data was acquired through interviews, observation, surveying and mapping of sites, using questionnaires that were administered to 57 respondents. Secondary data was acquired from related reports and journals. Microsoft excel and micro soft word were used for data analysis. Multiple responses and descriptive summaries forexample frequency distributions were obtained and used to interpret the data collected in relation to research objectives. The research findings revealed spatial location of waste dumping sites whereby Namungoona 1 cell had the largest number of waste dumping sites whereas Lubya cell had the lowest number of waste dumping sites. The study findings revealed Key location characteristics of waste dumping sites as close to and not close to environmental sensitive areas. The study findings also revealed different types of solid waste generated and dumped indiscriminately as degradable and non-degradable solid wastes. The study revealed a number of factors that account for the spatial distribution of waste dumping sites. The study findings further revealed a number of negative impacts of the spatial distribution of waste dumping sites on environmental health in Lubya ward. Given the above findings, the researcher suggested a number of recommendations to different stake holders such as the Community members, the Waste management service providers and the Local Authority.