Challenges and Problems of Solid Waste Management in Three Main Markets in Zanzibar

Abstract

A large amount of solid waste that is being generated by the Municipality, such as markets, is left generally unmanaged. The waste collection and disposal does not contend with the amount of waste generated per day as a result garbage are scattered. Market areas produce not only a large quantity of solid waste but also generate different types of waste. Because the market areas generate different types of waste, they need to be managed properly in order to avoid the detrimental effects it could have on the environment, health, and ecosystem. This paper will therefore present the challenges and problem associated with managing the solid waste generated by the three main markets (Mwanakwerekwe, Darajani and Mikunguni) which make up the Zanzibar municipality. Several methods were used to conduct this study including questionnaires, interviews and direct observations. The results of the study showed that the daily amount of solid waste generated by Mwanakwerekwe, Darajani and Mikunguni were 9,296 kg per day, 4,648 kg per day and 830 kg per day, respectively. The study also revealed several shortcomings in connection with the solid waste managements in the markets including low quality, inadequate storage and transportation facilities, an informal dump site, insufficient collection frequency of solid waste, low level of awareness and education of solid waste management and lack of enforcement of regulations by law enforcement. This study proposes several methods to improve solid waste management starting with the provision of adequate dustbins and skips, and also including an increase of collection frequency, increasing public awareness, involvement of private sector and separation of bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste. The logical conclusion is that all the informal dump sites should be replaced by Kibele dump sites.