Assessing compliance and enforcement levels of municipal solid waste management laws in Mukono municipality; Uganda.

Abstract

Inadequate treatment and inappropriate disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) are major environmental concerns in several developing countries in Africa. Over 90% of waste is often disposed in unregulated dumps or openly burned, in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, creating serious health, safety and environmental consequences. Despite the implementation of several interventions to address the challenge of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in cities and urban councils’ inadequate treatment and inappropriate disposal are still major environmental concerns. This study assessed compliance and enforcement levels of MSWM laws in Mukono Municipality (MM), Uganda. The composition of MSW received at the composting plant was determined according to American Standard Test Methods. The existing MSWM laws, mechanisms in place and barriers to effective implementation of MSWM laws in MM were identified, evaluated and assessed respectively over a one-year period from July 2021 to June 2022. Results showed that the bulk MSW of 82.4-85.7% received at the plant was organic. 81% of respondents were aware of the existence of MSWM laws in MM. About 74% of the key stakeholders were consulted in formulation of the MSWM laws. Another 63% of the respondents confirmed that putting in place clear mechanism of enforcement supports the successful implementation of MSW laws. However, 48% of the respondents disagreed that adequate awareness creation on MSW laws had been undertaken while 41% agreed and 11% of the respondent were not sure. That notwithstanding, 64% of the respondents disagreed that the level of awareness creation on MSWM laws was adequately done in the municipality. On the follow-up of the planned projects, 63% of the respondents agreed that, close monitoring of MSW projects in line with MSWM laws was effectively done in the municipality. In terms of political support, 66% of the respondents disagreed that the municipality leadership supported the implementation of MSWM laws. However, 55% of the respondents agreed that the municipality allocated adequate funds for the implementation of MSWM laws. On the contrary, 62% of the respondents disagreed that the funds were appropriate and adequate for the implementation of MSWM laws. In terms of awareness, about 64 of the respondents disagreed that, the sensitization of locals about MSWM laws has been effective. Based on the findings of the study, it is prudent for MMC to ensure that the existing draft MSWM by-law is passed and forwarded to the Solicitor General of Uganda for approval to complement the current efforts towards MSW. The Environment Police Force and MMC should put in place measures to adequately enforce compliance. However, to achieve this goal, awareness barazas and surveillances are crucial in curbing indiscriminate dumping of MSW within the communities in MM.