Solid waste management in informal settlements of Windhoek
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Date
2005
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Abstract
The study examines examines the management of solid waste in the three informal settlements of Windhoek, which are Babylon, Okahandja Park and Okuryangava. Before independence, the apartheid government forbade natural urban expansion in "black" suburbs. This resulted in grossly overcrowded conditions, often with an entire family living in one small room. This was not the case after independence in 1990, when a democratic government took power; people began moving out of their overcrowded homes and started constructing shacks on the periphery of the town. At the same time others perceived this as an opportunity to migrate from rural to urban areas. This exercise contributed to the overcrowded squatter settlements and in turn contributed to a problem of waste
This study focuses on alternative approaches, which are the increasing community participation and improving recycling and reuse of solid waste. The main objective of the study is to investigate ways in which community participation can be improved in solid waste management. The information was collected mainly through literature search, personal interviews with residents of the three informal settlements, various government and non-government officials. The study further suggests new methods and techniques on how to improve solid waste management in informal settlements
One important findings of the study is that since human beings are generators of solid waste, their participation in managing waste is indispensable. The study further discovered that they introduction of recycling and reuse will contribute to a total reduction of solid wastes in informal settlements
The study proposes that the 240 litre wheelie-bins and containers should be given to each dweller in order to replace the black plastic bag system that is currently in use. Transportation of waste should be improved; especially the use of tractors should be introduced
Description
Research theses submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of public policy and administration
Keywords
Waste disposal