Browsing by Author "Kadhila, Timoteus"
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- ItemImplementation of a municipal solid waste management system in Swakopmund, Namibia(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Kadhila, Timoteus; De Wit, Martin; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.ENGLISH SUMMARY : All over the world, municipal solid waste (MSW) is known for causing a wide variety of environmental pollution ranging from water, ground and air pollutions. If not properly managed, the consequences can be harmful to biodiversity. The Namibian Constitution stipulates that every citizen has the right to a good quality and clean environment. Therefore, as humans we should redouble our efforts to minimise these effects, conserve resources and promote environmental quality. Various institutions, government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals have obeyed the constitution through implementing various approaches, policies and legislation to curb environmental damage and enhance public welfare. The concept of sustainable waste management requires a need to discuss various environmental matters including the economic costs of the most suitable techniques used for municipal solid waste management, aiming to maintain environmental quality and promote public health. Equally important, there is a need to recommend the best alternative municipal solid waste management and disposal approaches. Municipal Solid Waste management systems are actually fundamental instruments incorporated into successful integrated waste management systems. This thesis reports on an assessment of a municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in one of the local authorities in Namibia, as a case study of Swakopmund Municipality. The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the implementation of a MSWM system in the town of Swakopmund. Furthermore, it provides recommendations with regard to MSWM and disposal methods which may be most suitable, considering the economic costs and environmental impacts of MSW. The methodology used to achieve the study objectives involved the review of related literature, interviews with the key personnel from the Health Department working directly with MSW and environmental management. A questionnaire was also prepared and randomly distributed to 200 residents above the age of 18. Disposal site visits and direct observation were conducted weekly to access data about waste composition, quantity and to scrutinise the 4Rs strategic approach. The study found that source reduction, waste segregation at source, reuse and recycling, are some of the most effective strategies toward improving MSWM. However, at Swakopmund, these strategies are applied at a minimal degree. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Council of Swakopmund Municipality should invest more in the MSW sector, in terms of constructing a sanitary landfill to replace the current open but controlled dumpsite. It was also recommended that the Council should develop and implement modernised waste management strategy and practices, supported by technology and benchmarked with the best practices in the world.
- ItemTransitioning to sustainable waste management models : the case of Langebaan and Swakopmund Municipalities(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Kadhila, Timoteus; De Wit, Martin; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Globally, the traditional linear economy model based on the “take-make-use-dispose” principle originated from the first, second and third industrial revolutions, in which waste disposal to landfills and dumpsites has been the dominant waste management method. However, in the 21st century, waste management, driven by a radical circular economy model, is seen as an alternative method that may contribute to sustainable development, unlike the predominant linear economy model of resource consumption which is no longer sustainable. The circular economy entails reducing the consumption of raw materials, designing products in such a manner that they can easily be taken apart after use and reused (eco-design), prolonging the lifespan of products through maintenance and repair, using recyclables in products and recovering raw materials from waste flow. The study employed a mixed method approach whereby qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were combined to explore how the current waste management models, resulting from municipal policies, processes, procedures and practices of the Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities, contribute to the realisation of sustainable waste management (environmental, economic and social sustainability) in the context of a circular economy. The methods used in data collection were structured in-depth interviews, documents analyses and non-participatory direct observation. Participants were senior level employees at Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities, as well as private companies dealing with waste management. Participants were purposefully selected on the basis of their knowledge of waste management systems. Document analysis was used to conduct a reflective/comparative analysis of policies, procedures, processes, organisational strategies and reports as a way of providing additional data, triangulation and validity of data collected through structured in-depth interviews. The study found that currently – despite the circular economy gaining momentum in most cities internationally – the Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities have not, as yet, implemented circular economy models in their waste management systems. For example, products such as mobile phones, batteries, tyres and organic products are produced and used, and when they break, become worn and obsolete, or by-products, they are dumped in landfills. The study established that part of the challenges includes, among others, inadequate regulatory frameworks, insufficient financial resources, inadequate information, lack of awareness, insufficient human resource capacity, lack of private sector engagement/involvement, lack of political will and lack of technical solutions. The study suggests that a circular economy would help to address these issues by maximising the efficiency with which resources are used at each stage of the product lifecycle. Moreover, a circular economy business model can increase productivity and economic growth; improve the quality and quantity of employment by creating jobs and save lives, by helping to reduce environmental impacts such as water pollution, air pollution and climate change. Based on the results a framework for best practices in circularity for small municipalities was developed for immediate consideration by Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities and any other small municipality that wishes to become a circular or green city/town. Circular cities/towns keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of their lifespan. Consequently, it is recommended that policymakers in government and small municipalities should revise existing regulatory instruments to promote transitioning to circular business models for waste management in line with the proposed framework.