Solid waste management in small towns of the Eastern Cape in South Africa: A case of Alice Town

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L Zhou, S Mosweu, S Tesfamichael and Z Mamutse

University of Fort Hare, South Africa

: Expert Opin Environ Biol

Abstract

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The aim of this study is to generate fundamental data and information to determine the extent of solid waste management challenges that can be used for the future planning of solid waste management in Alice town, South Africa. The government of South Africa has invested substantial resources towards the development of small towns of which Alice town, is not an exception. This was done to ensure that improved livelihoods opportunities are created for communities living in and around small towns. Thus amongst other schemes; Government sponsored urban renewal project was established to create beautiful, unique and well managed small towns. The construction activities conducted under the Government sponsored urban renewal project in Alice town have already started to change the appearance and functionality of the town, implying that the intervention has started to have a major impact. However, a feasibility study conducted in 2010 for the renewal of Alice reflected that the town is experiencing health and environmental hazards due to the accumulation of uncollected waste and clandestine disposal sites, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes. Therefore, this study investigated challenges associated with waste management in Alice town using GIS techniques and community perception survey. Preliminary results display an array of problems, combined with a lack of town planning impedes the handling and collection of waste generated by different human activities. Various strategies which may be used to promote waste minimization are discussed.

Biography

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Leocadia Zhou completed her PhD studies in 2009 from the University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She is the Director of the Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre at the University of Fort Hare. She has extensively published papers in reputed journals. She is actively involved as a project steering committee member of the Eastern Cape Province Anti-Poverty- Food Security strategy, South Africa.

Email: lzhou@ufh.ac.za