Solid Waste Management Challenges in Bantama Sub-Metro, Kumasi
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Date
2015-11-01
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Abstract
Waste issues seem to be a boring subject that does not excite many people, however, its consequences if overlooked can wreck the health and existence of any well meaning people. The study investigated solid waste management challenges in Bantama Sub-Metropolis, Kumasi. It analyzed solid waste management challenges in the Bantama Sub-Metropolis, Kumasi and suggested possible measures to manage the challenges. The three main techniques used in gathering the primary data were: preliminary field investigation, questionnaire survey and face-to-face interview. The following key findings were established to be the solid waste management challenges in the Bantama Sub-Metropolis. These are: In adequate skip supply for storing waste, lack of routine collection of waste, lack of operational vehicles and routine maintenance, unfair charge on waste per dump at transfer stations, regular vehicle breakdown, inadequate waste collection vehicles, high volume of waste generated, lack of funds, lack of continuity between planning circle, lack of interdepartmental waste management coordination, insufficient budget allocation for landfill operations, small containers, height of containers, insanitary transfer stations, bad roads leading to high transport cost, traffic congestion, vehicle wear and tear at landfill site, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, lack of logistics, high cost of receptacles, lack of storage receptacles at point of generation of solid waste, receptacles not durable, lack of easily accessible skip and air pollution. In the light of these challenges enumerated above, the research recommended the provision of adequate skips and durable receptacles at a lower cost, regular collection of waste, provision of adequate operational vehicles and routine maintenance, “Pay as you dump policy” should re-strategize to ensure fairness at the transfer stations, provision of adequate recycling units, provision of specialized vehicles to execute certain functions best within waste collection to disposal site, provision of specified route to ease traffic congestion, KMA should strengthen avenues for customers to voice their complaints, strengthen education and awareness of waste management to politicians, procurement of waste related equipment or machinery should involve those with relevant technical expertise, keeping of accurate and effective waste collection data, KMA should explore other sources of fund from corporate bodies e.g. VAC, AGC, GGB etc. and intensify sharing responsibility with other stakeholders, KMA should factor the need for the closure and rehabilitation of their landfill sites into their disposal charges, adequate resourcing of Waste Management Institutions, strengthen coordination of effects by key role players related to waste management (finance, planners, councilors and procurement) and provision of adequate land space for the treatment and disposal of waste.
Description
A Thesis Submitted To The Department Of Theoretical And Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of The Master Of Science (MSc) Degree In Environmental Science.