Assessing the effects of solid waste management on urban communities: The case study of Highfield, Harare.

Abstract

Solid waste management strategy has effects on the local people and the environment; the effects are both positive and negative. Highfield, Harare was used as a case study and several methods which include observations, focused group discussions, interviews and secondary data were used in this study. There are several factors hindering proper solid waste management which includes corruption. Corruption seems to be the major part leading to the deterioration in solid waste collection and management as well as poor planning as in the case of Pomona dumping site. The observations were there are more negative effects which include soil pollution, water pollution, diseases, no investors and no recycling revenue. However, there are positive effects which include job creations through recycling.