POLICY GAPS ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: CASE OF CHEGUTU MUNICIPALITY ZIMBABWE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore policy gaps on urban solid waste management in Zimbabwe and suggest management strategies to close these gaps. This was motivated by the observation that there is no policy in Chegutu Municipality which deals holistically with solid waste management. A qualitative research design was adopted to analyze policies and establish gaps. A descriptive survey based on a case study of Chegutu Municipality was used. A survey of a purposive sample of 44 residents, 5 Council employees, and 2 EMA officials was conducted. Questionnaire, Interviews and document analysis were employed. The study found that, there is no policy in Chegutu Municipality which deals holistically with solid waste management. The study recommends that citizens should be educated as a matter of national policy on waste minimization. Policies with a holistic view of solid waste management should be drafted in Chegutu Municipality. Since there is lack of enforcement and responsibility in solid waste management policies, roles of stakeholders and institutions should be clearly defined.