Not In My Backyard (NIMBY)? : The Accumulation of Solid Waste in the Avenues Area, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to identify the problems of solid waste accumulation in the Avenues area of Harare, Zimbabwe Interviews and personal observations were used to collect data. Factors contributing to the accumulation of solid waste were identified. Wrong attitudes and perceptions of the people about sanitation issues contributed to solid waste accumulation. Enforcement or emphasis on majority of the households did not education on the need for clean surroundings. Virtually, all the people depended on the City of Harare (CoH) facilities for the disposal of their household refuse. Solid waste management problems were mainly the results of CoH inability to cope with the situation because of lack of equipment and personnel. In addition, lack of proper incentives for the CoH workers working in also partly explained the problem. The study recommends that more education should be provided by the CoH and Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to sensitise the people on the need to keep their surroundings clean. Measures should be taken to compel residents to pay their bills/ rates on time.