Performance evaluation of a community based solid waste management project in Mchikichini Ward, Ilala Municipality
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Abstract
The community-based solid waste management project in Mchikichini ward is a self-help initiative. It addresses the deteriorating conditions of sanitation in the ward. It intends to serve about 19, 399 people (Population Census, 2002), especially in the unplanned areas, where about 70% of them reside. Mchikichini Environmental and Development Association is the implementer of the project since 2003.
The urban areas in Tanzania, like in other developing countries, continue to experience deteriorating conditions of sanitation. Unplanned settlements tremendously feature this phenomenon. Such areas exhibit high levels of urban poverty and ever-prevalent risks to infectious diseases, cholera in particular. Rapid population increase, rapid urbanization and inadequate urban management systems greatly contribute to the situation.
A socio-economic study was conducted to evaluate a community-based project on refuse management. The study collected data from a sample of households living in planned and unplanned areas. It used tools like survey questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, community meetings, SWOT analysis and focused-group discussions. The study noted that the community had inadequate capacity to manage solid wastes in the ward. It recommended for a community-based capacity building project that would employ a participatory approach in refuse management. A participatory project evaluation shows that only 40% of the project objectives were achieved, 26.7% of project activities are progress and 33.3% of them have not been implemented yet. 47.2% of the population acknowledged having a primary role in refuse collection. Community empowerment on refuse management is a prerequisite to the project sustainability. (Author abstract)