Poor waste management, a challenge to city council
IF there is any problem for Kampala City Council (KCC) to worry about, it is the poor waste disposal culture in the city.
By peter ouma
IF there is any problem for Kampala City Council (KCC) to worry about, it is the poor waste disposal culture in the city.
Waste is normally dumped in open areas, streams and inaccessible areas.
In Kalerwe, waste is dumped in places which garbage disposal vehicles cannot access.
Most people in slum areas prepare matooke, cassava, potatoes and other food stuffs in polythene bags which are dumped in drainage channels.
The waste generated is in most cases bio-degradable which decomposes after a few days and causes a bad smell. The problem intensifies during the rainy seasons.
KCC engineer Michael Mudanye, says they face challenges in collecting, transporting and disposing of solid waste.
He also points out inadequate funds, environmental degradation, equipment failure, limited access to garbage collection points and lack of waste disposal culture among the other challenges.
Waste generation is estimated at 1kg per person per day in Kampala city.
But out of the 100% waste generated daily, KCC collects 70% and disposes off 50% by land fills. Poor waste management in Kalerwe and Makindye suburbs poses a threat to the community.
The waste attracts houseflies which, spread diseases to peoples homes. There is also the spread of water borne diseases in the same area whenever it rains. Diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera are common during rainy seasons.
However, despite the challenges, Mudanye says the council plans to increase efficiency of waste collection, transportation and disposal to 100% in the near future.
Meanwhile, KCC appeals to Kampala residents to have proper pre-disposal mechanisms in their homes and workplaces.
IF there is any problem for Kampala City Council (KCC) to worry about, it is the poor waste disposal culture in the city.
Waste is normally dumped in open areas, streams and inaccessible areas.
In Kalerwe, waste is dumped in places which garbage disposal vehicles cannot access.
Most people in slum areas prepare matooke, cassava, potatoes and other food stuffs in polythene bags which are dumped in drainage channels.
The waste generated is in most cases bio-degradable which decomposes after a few days and causes a bad smell. The problem intensifies during the rainy seasons.
KCC engineer Michael Mudanye, says they face challenges in collecting, transporting and disposing of solid waste.
He also points out inadequate funds, environmental degradation, equipment failure, limited access to garbage collection points and lack of waste disposal culture among the other challenges.
Waste generation is estimated at 1kg per person per day in Kampala city.
But out of the 100% waste generated daily, KCC collects 70% and disposes off 50% by land fills. Poor waste management in Kalerwe and Makindye suburbs poses a threat to the community.
The waste attracts houseflies which, spread diseases to peoples homes. There is also the spread of water borne diseases in the same area whenever it rains. Diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera are common during rainy seasons.
However, despite the challenges, Mudanye says the council plans to increase efficiency of waste collection, transportation and disposal to 100% in the near future.
Meanwhile, KCC appeals to Kampala residents to have proper pre-disposal mechanisms in their homes and workplaces.