Perceptions and influences on solid waste management in Bwaise slum, Kawempe division Kampala district

Abstract

The study was conducted in Bwaise slum, Kawempe division in Kampala city. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions and influences on waste management in Bwaise slum Kawempe division. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine people’s perception on wastes management, to map waste management practices and to determine drivers for the identified waste management practices. The study used interview method, where 68 respondents randomly selected to ensure independent opinions and give every community member a chance to participate. Observation and GPS coordinates of the dumping sites were taken and used to plot a map of the study area where Bwaise 3 had many random illegal dumping sites. The study findings show that respondents collected and kept waste materials for directly putting them on collection trucks, 45.6%; outside in an open place, 20.5%; within their compound, 11.7%; and burning of wastes 21.9%.Basing on observations and interviews with community leaders made by the researcher, it was found out that areas that were deep inside communities where vehicles don’t access have poor waste disposal practices than areas near the road sides. This brings out the comparison between Bwaise 1, 2 and 3 as most parts of Bwaise 3 have no access to roads where KCCA vehicles reach being susceptible to flooding this leads to many forms of indiscriminate dumping shown by the highest percentages of wastes dumped in open places 13.2%.Different people had different perceptions on problems associated with waste disposal practices where majority of the respondents were concerned about diseases related to poor waste disposal 25.3%, flooding due waste blocking channels 23% and a few gave concern for environmental issues such as loss of biodiversity due to habitat degradation 2.3%. The study also showed a positive attitude towards waste management evidenced by respondents’ high willingness 94.7% to participate in community cleanups and this could have a high influence on improving the situation of waste management in the area. In conclusion, there is potential for improvement in waste management since most respondents (94.7%) were willing to participate and respond to waste management sensitization and awareness programs.