PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE WA TOWNSHIP

Abstract

This study examined private sector participation in the management of solid waste in the Wa Township using mixed methods. Heads of 382 households were for questionnaires survey, in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders connected to solid waste management, and focus group discussions were held with community leaders. The study revealed residential source of solid waste was crucial with several waste generated (food waste, plastics, glass and metallic and textile) and numerous disposal practices (open dumping, communal collection). The study revealed that the private sector had relatively competitive advantages in the management of solid waste. The study reveals that solid waste collection and disposal have improved since the private sector immersion in solid waste management in the Township. The study affirmed that the capacity of the private sector in terms of equipment and operational qualities for higher level performance is on the rise. Despite all the performances of the private sector, several challenges with solid waste management were unveiled. A Relative Important Index conducted ranked operational challenges, township challenges, and organizational challenges as 1st , 2 nd and 3rd respectively. The study concludes that solid waste management can further improve with adequate supply of waste bins, and skips to facilitate regular collection of waste by the private sector. It recommends prompt payment of monies meant for private operators to intensify their monitoring system to avoid shoddy work.