MENVSC / Department of Ecology and Resource Management / Solid waste management (SWM) has become an issue of increasing worldwide concern as urban populations continue to rise and consumption patterns change. The health and environmental effects associated with SWM are escalating, predominantly in the perspective of developing countries. The rise in rural-urban migration rates in developing countries has left local authorities overwhelmed and failing to cope with the increase in solid waste. This has led to a shift from conventional systems of solid waste management to contemporary systems such as community based solid waste management (CBSWM). Despite the shift, it seems local authorities in developing countries still fail to manage suburban waste effectively. This study investigated the performance of a CBSWM scheme in Nkulumane, a high-density suburb in Bulawayo. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, hence a mixed methods approach employed. The study incorporated systematic sampling and purposive sampling in the selection of research participants. Data was collected through qualitative questionnaires, semi structured interviews and field observations. Thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics from SPSS version 25 were used in data analysis. The study revealed that community members from Nkulumane had sound knowledge on what CBSWM entails, however the community members had negative attitude towards CBSWM and traditional notions on SWM had an influence of their perception of CBSWM concepts. The study also revealed that Bulawayo City Council had managed to create employment for the community through a CBSWM scheme. Furthermore, operating expenses of the city council had decreased over the years. The level of environmental awareness had improved in the study area as well. However, Bulawayo City Council has battled with community participation problems, financial constraints and inter-institutional infighting. This study provides a comprehensive report on the performance of the CBSWM scheme in Nkulumane high density suburb, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. / NRF

Text in English / The study focused on the characterisation and management of non-formal solid waste disposal sites in Harare, the capital city of the Republic of Zimbabwe. In many developing countries, increasing urbanisation surpasses the development of urban infrastructure and this has led to the proliferation of informal settlements, illegal dumping sites and uncontrolled vending in cities like Harare. The researcher investigated the prevalence of non-formal dumping sites in Harare, including the composition, locational attributes and internal linkages of solid waste. Practices regarding the management of non-formal solid waste disposal sites were examined and areas of good practice and conformity to international standards were complemented while recommendations and suggestions were made on areas that were found wanting. An integrated management system was recommended for the sustainable management of solid waste. To support this recommendation, management window of responsibilities (EMWR) model was created so that the Harare City Council can enhance stakeholder participation. The research results show that most residents used non-conventional ways to store waste, like mealie-meal bags and sacks, and this posed a danger to human health. It also emerged that the city of Harare has not updated some of its by-laws, some of which were enacted about 33 years ago while others remained drafts for decades. This made it difficult for the city to effectively implement them. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)

Text in English / The study focused on the characterisation and management of non-formal solid waste disposal sites in Harare, the capital city of the Republic of Zimbabwe. In many developing countries, increasing urbanisation surpasses the development of urban infrastructure and this has led to the proliferation of informal settlements, illegal dumping sites and uncontrolled vending in cities like Harare. The researcher investigated the prevalence of non-formal dumping sites in Harare, including the composition, locational attributes and internal linkages of solid waste. Practices regarding the management of non-formal solid waste disposal sites were examined and areas of good practice and conformity to international standards were complemented while recommendations and suggestions were made on areas that were found wanting. An integrated management system was recommended for the sustainable management of solid waste. To support this recommendation, management window of responsibilities (EMWR) model was created so that the Harare City Council can enhance stakeholder participation. The research results show that most residents used non-conventional ways to store waste, like mealie-meal bags and sacks, and this posed a danger to human health. It also emerged that the city of Harare has not updated some of its by-laws, some of which were enacted about 33 years ago while others remained drafts for decades. This made it difficult for the city to effectively implement them. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)