Landfill Site Suitability Analysis Using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing for Thohoyandou Town, South Africa

Abstract

Disposal of solid waste is a major challenge in towns and cities due to waste being dumped at an unacceptable site. The designation of a landfill site is a challenge in Thohoyandou town. The purpose of this study was to determine a user-friendly landfill site location for Thohoyandou town. The study also intended to examine the social implications of the existing landfill site location on the communities. Data was gathered using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was acquired using questionnaire surveys, interviews, field survey, observations, and secondary sources. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists, and the Chi-square test. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) constitute the major methods used to determine an acceptable site for the disposal of solid waste generated in study area. The existing landfill site in the study area is not in line with environmental and social standards due to waste being dumped at an unacceptable site. The study revealed social problems such as bad smell, diseases, noise, dust and decline of standards of living in which all have emerged because of the Thohoyandou Block J landfill site. To overcome these challenges, this study incorporated six environmental parameters, including: proximity to road networks, slope, soil, land use/land cover, and built-up areas; surface water, to determine the best suitable landfill site in the study area. According to the findings of this study, out of five potential landfill sites, the site which had the highest rankings following the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was selected as the most suitable landfill site. As a result, the research recommends that Thulamela Local Municipality contemplate terminating its existing landfill site to relocate to one of the alternative acceptable sites identified by this study.