CHALLENGES OF WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CHIREDZI, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

Poor waste management has been one of the greatest challenges in most developing countries. Towns and cities in developing countries have experienced population explosions due to natural increase and rural-urban migration. Urbanization and modernization have also led to the increase of the amount and complexity of the waste being generated. Local authorities responsible for proper waste management are faced by various problems which include financial constraints, absence of the required professional personnel as well as poor public awareness on the dangers of poor waste management and the absence of properly engineered landfills. In the current study, waste management in Chiredzi was researched. A mixed methods research approach was used in the study, selected wards were used as representatives of the town in responding to questionnaires, and the relevant local authorities were interviewed. Chiredzi just like most towns in developing countries has poor waste management practices. There is need for an integrated approach to waste management and many recommendations are cited in this paper.