Community Participation in Solid Waste Management: the Case of Atikilt Tera and Merkato Areas

By:
Mahlet Seleshi
Submitted to:
Ato Chala Amdissa
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor in Public Administration and Development Management in the
Faculty of Business and Education and Department of Public
Administration and Development Management
July, 2009
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Thank to the almighty God.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor Ato Chala Amdissa for his unreserved and constructive comments and directions while carrying out this research.
My deepest gratitude also goes to my beloved brothers Tsegaselassie Seleshi and
Fanuiel seleshi for their support in any way possible. I am indebted to you both.
I also like to forward my heart felt appreciation to Azeb Mengistu for her valuable comments starting from proposal development to the finalization of the write up.
My sincere thanks go to Anteneh M., W/ro Emrakeb, and Assistant professor Mekuria
Mekasha for their support with valuable advice and comments.
I am also thankful to Dr. Weldeab, Ato Biniam, Dr. Sherman, Ato Yimer, Ato Wondu, and other friends of mine who have helped me through all the processes of the research and the providing me with materials used in the research.
Last but not the least I want to thank Merid for conducting the interviews: and for all the respondents that have participated in the study for sacrificing their precious time. ii Table of Content
Page No.
Acknowledgment .................................................................................................................. i
Table of Content ...............................................................................................................ii-iii
Lists of Table ....................................................................................................................... iv
Lists of Graph ....................................................................................................................... v
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................ vi
Abstruct .............................................................................................................................. vii
Chapter One ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. Background of the Study ......................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Statement of the Problem ........................................................................................................ 3
1.3. Research Questions ................................................................................................................. 5
1.4. Study Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 5
 General Objective .............................................................................................................................. 5
 Specific Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.5. Methodology .............................................................................................................. 6
1.5.1. Justification of the Case ........................................................................................................ 6
1.5.2. Methods ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.5.2.1. Data Collection Method.................................................................................................... 7
1.5.2.2. Interview ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.5.2.3. Observations .................................................................................................................... 7
1.5.3. Sampling Method ................................................................................................................. 8
1.5.3.1. Sample Method and Sample Size Determination ............................................................... 8
1.5.4. Data analysis ....................................................................................................................... 9
1.6. Study Limitations ........................................................................................................... 9
1.7. Significance of the Study.............................................................................................. 10
1.8. Organization of the Paper ............................................................................................. 10
Chapter Two .................................................................................................................... 11
2. Definitions and Conceptual Framework .................................................................... 11
2.1. Clarifications and proposed definitions of community, participation and community participation ................................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1. The Nature and Implementation of Community Participation........................................ 13
2.1.2. Participation in Practice and the Elements of Community Participation ......................... 16
2.1.3. The Needs and Benefits of Community Participation .................................................... 18 iii 2.2. Solid Waste Management ............................................................................................. 20
2.2.1. Concepts of Waste Management .................................................................................. 20
2.2.2. Types of Solid Waste ................................................................................................... 23
2.2.3. Methods of Waste Management ................................................................................... 24
2.3. Community Participation in Solid Waste Management ................................................. 26
2.4. Empirical Literature ..................................................................................................... 29
2.4.1. Practices of Community Participation in Solid Waste Management ................. 29
Chapter Three ................................................................................................................... 31
3. Data Analysis and Interpretation .......................................................................................... 31
3.1. Socio-demographic background ................................................................................... 31
3.2. Evaluation of solid waste management problem at the two study area ........................... 35
3.3. Causes of the SWM problem ........................................................................................ 36
3.4. The responsibility ........................................................................................................ 39
3.5. Awareness on solid waste management mechanism/technique .................................... 40
3.6. Types of the solid waste at the two study area ............................................................... 44
3.7. Solid waste collection transportation and disposal service provider to the community ................................................................................................................. 46
3.8. Timeliness of the services............................................................................................. 47
3.9. Participation in Solid Waste Management .................................................................... 50
3.10. Payment for SWM service ............................................................................................ 52
3.11. Level of solid waste disposing serice in Merkato and Atikilt Tera ................................. 53
3.12. Community participation other than paying fees for SWM service ................................ 55
Chapter Four .................................................................................................................... 60
4. Summary ............................................................................................................................. 60
4.1. Major findings ............................................................................................................. 60
4.2. Factors Affecting Community Participation .................................................................. 60
4.3. Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 61
4.4. Recommendation ......................................................................................................... 62
Reference........................................................................................................................... 70
Aneexes
iv
Lists of Tables
Table Nol. Title Page
Table 1A and 1B: Respondent educational background ....................................................
Table 2: Responent evaluations of solid waste management problem ..............................
Table 3: Respondent view on the cause of solid waste management problem ..................
Table 4: Respondent opinion on responsiblie body for waste problems ...........................
Table 5A: Respondent awareness regarding the SWM mechanisms/techniques .................
Table 5B: Respondent awareness in relation to waste separtation, reduction and desposing ..........
Table 6: Respondents opinion on awareness raising responsibilities.............................................
Table 7: Respondent action if they found the container full or absences form the study area ........
Table 8: Payments for SWM service ............................................................................................
Table 9: Amount of fee per month for waste disposal ...................................................................
Table 10A: Vender respondent involvement ................................................................................. v List of Graph
Graph 1: Respondents sex ................................................................................................
Graph 2A and 2B: Respondents age ..................................................................................
Graph 3: SWM serice provider..........................................................................................
Graph 4: Timeliness of the serice ......................................................................................
Graph 5: Respondent answers weather they ask their rights or no ...................................... vi Anexess
Anex A: Interview guid with venders ................................................................................
Anex B: Interview guid with buyers ..................................................................................
Anex C: Interview guid with government officials ............................................................
Anex D: Interivew guid Micro and Small Scale Interprise .................................................
Anex E: Interivew guid with ........................................................................................... vii Acronyms
AU ............................................................................................................. African Union
CBO ...................................................................... Community Based Organization
CP ................................................................................... Community Participation
ECA .................................................................. Economic Commission for Africa
ENDA ........................................................... Environmental Development Action
FAO .......................................................................... Food and Agriculture Organization
ICO............................................................................ Information Commissioner's Office
ILF ........................................................................................... Independent Living Fund
MSSE ........................................................................... Micro and Small Scale Enterprise
NGO ..................................................................... Non Governmental Organization
RLDS .............................................................. Regional and Local Development Studies
SBPDA ............................ Sanitation Beautification & Parks Development Agency
SW ....................................................................................................... Solid Waste
SWM ............................................................................... Solid Waste Management
UN ............................................................................................................. United Nations
UNDP ............................................................... United Nations Development Program
UNHCR ................................................ United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNICEF .................................................................. United Nations Children Fund viii Abstract
Background: inadequate solid waste management in urban areas is a major factor affecting the health of citizens and other environmental disasters. This problem is said to exist in the capital city, Addis Ababa. Anecdotal evidences show that specific areas like Atikilt Tera and
Merkato are believed to have low level of SWM. In addition, the low level of community participation in SWM is frequently referred to as the main factors for the waste management crisis. Objective: the objectives of this study was thus to investigate the solid waste management practice and assess the level of Community Participation at Merkato and Atikilt Tera area.
The specific objectives are to assess the solid waste situation; assess the role of Community
Participation in the process of solid waste collection, transportation and disposal; identify the factors which affect the collection and disposal of solid waste; and measure the role of the private sector, community-based organizations and the responsible bureaus (SBPDA) in solid waste management of Merkato and Atikilt Tera area.
Method: A semi structured interview is used with random sampling technique for sample selection for vendors and buyers. An interview is used with purposive sampling techniques for the officials. Observation was also used in the study.
Conclusion and recommendations: there is a serious lack of SWM in the two study areas.
Aside from the other causes for this problem the lack of community participation is the major factor contributing to it. According to this study, the lack of awareness, lack of government concern, the presence of information gap between government and community; lack of controlling mechanism over the service provider are the most important factors for the absence of community participation. The study recommends adequate government support, devising a technique to compost wastes, developing alternative waste disposal options, involving private sectors, active community participation, and preparing appropriate policies in SWM.

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Chapter One
1. Background of the Study
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and a diplomatic center for Africa, home to
African Union (AU) and Economic commission for Africa (ECA). The city is also a seat for regional head quarters of many organizations like UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, FAO,
ILF, and ICO (Å”w 2®®®:15). Although basic infrastructures and other social services are found relatively in better situation than other cities of Ethiopia, the city is still little more than a town in many respects. The city is full of social, economic and demographic problems. One of the major problems is the inadequacy of the solid waste management and it is considered as the major environmental problem in Addis Ababa. Inadequate solid waste management has resulted in the accumulation of waste in open lands, in drains and in the residential and commercial area of many people, causing health problems, environmental pollution (water, soil and air pollution), and clogging of drain (Tadesse,
2004:1). World Bank (1993:63) also said that environmental pollution affects human health in a variety of ways, from itchy eyes and chest discomfort, to chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks, to premature death.
This situation is believed to be a consequence of poor environmental conditions and an ever-present risk of epidemics, which in turn present a formidable threat to health and productivity. There is thus a need for improved waste management (Tadesse, 2004:1).
Currently, solid waste collection coverage has reached 81.3 % (www.addisababacity.gov.).
This indicates that, the remaining 19 percent of waste is disposed off through informal means. In this regard, community participation (CP) is argued to be low in terms of waste removal. 2
For several reasons, improving this environmental problem in the city has to be related more directly to the issues of enhancing community participation. Just about everyone is involved to improve the above mentioned environmental problem. Community
Participation is intended to bring empowerment to influence priority setting in pollution management and support for enforcement (David and Melinda, (1992:4), Glasson and etal
(1994:141-142), World Bank (1999:72)).
Involvements of private institutions, non-governmental institution and community at large, in waste management particularly controlling generation of waste at the source, and also participation in collection, transportation and disposal process is highly important. It is anticipated to bring the power to exercise or ask their right (since they are taxpayers) and control over waste management service to the point where they actually get service delivered, thereby improving accountability and effectiveness, and promoting people's felling of ownership of the service executed in their compounds and surroundings (Ibid) .
Therefore, community participation in improving the existing service delivery in the city is very crucial.
One of the sub-city of the Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema, meaning New Town in Amharic, located west of Arada, is best known for its open market, Merkato, which competes with
Roque Santeiro in the Angolan capital Luanda and Oshodi market in Lagos (Nigeria) for the title of largest market in Africa (www.addis-ababa.wantedinafrica.com). The central wholesale fruit and vegetable market called Atikilt Tera, is located in Arada Sub City.
Local shopkeepers and stallholders live in poor conditions in the densely populated residential and market areas on the edge of Merkato and Atikilt Tera. There are high volume of waste produced at the time of selling and buying process.
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It is clear from the above description of the activities and the whole situation of the subcity that there is a need to strengthen the waste disposal system and devise a mechanism for community participation in the process.
1.1. Statement of the Problem
Various researches, such as a Masters Thesis study was conducted by Solomon Asrat
(AAU- RLDS, 2008) recommended that waste management can be best delivered only when the community takes active participation in the service. Beyene also recommended that raising public awareness not only on the importance of creating a healthy environment but also on the mechanisms of controlling waste generated at the source, alternative disposal mechanisms and the spirit to shoulder responsibilities among the general public, local and traditional institutions, business community, non-government and governmental institutions through regular campaign, education and training programs should be stressed.
In addition to this, as with any other environmental strategy, there is a need for public involvement and political support in the identification of priorities and the implementation of the necessary enabling measures (World Bank 1999:31).
Also city Administration Mekuria Haile, Said all concerned bodies should exert efforts to solve the sanitation problem since the current status of the city which is the capital of
Africa and seat of various international organizations is not up to its standard (Addis
Ababa City Administration).
According to some official records, most people do not participate in environmental cleaning campaigns organized by kebeles (Å”w' 2®®®:15). This fact shows of the trend
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on how low the participation is in terms of waste management, in most parts of the city including in the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera Addis Ketema Sub-City of Addis Ababa.
Inadequate municipal and business as well as household solid waste collection and disposal creates a range of environmental problems in Addis Ketema Sub City particularly at the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera. Low level community participation has its own negative impact on solid waste collection. Any person while walking around Merkato and
Atikilt Tera will able to observe, flying 'festal' (which is increasingly used for packaging), solid waste are deposited and scattered on public spaces like road sides and open spaces.
Dumps containing a large range of waste, the bad smell and the hazards it poses for the people. The situation is exacerbated around Merkato and Atikilt Tera area where households and businesses cannot make use of garbage collection containers. Lack of the most basic solid waste management services in the two areas causes negative effect on business and profitability of the vendors. The adverse effect of inadequate solid waste service on productivity and economic development of the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera is expected to be significant.
Thus, attempt will be made to find out the level of community participation in the area of
Merkato and Atikilt Tera, in the solid waste management service, which is currently run under the responsibility of Sanitation Beautification & Parks Development Agency
(SBPDA).
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1.2. Research Questions
The study will attempt to address the following question:
1. What is the participation level of the community in collocating, transportation and disposing solid wastes in the Atikilt Tera and Merkato?
2. What are the factors affecting the level of community participation in solid waste management in the two areas?
3. How much and how well do the City Administration and Merkato and Atikilt Tera
Kebele Administrations cover waste management needs in the areas?
4. How much and how well do the private sector and community-based organizations participation in the waste management process?
1.4. Study Objectives
General Objective:
 To investigate the solid waste management practice and assess the level of
Community Participation at Merkato and Atikilt Tera area.
Specific Objectives:
 To assess the solid waste situation in the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera area
 To assess the role of Community Participation in the process of solid waste collection, transportation and disposal in the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera.
 To identify the factors which affect the collection and disposal of solid waste in the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera.
 To measure the role of the private sector, community-based organizations and the responsible bureaus (SBPDA) in solid waste management of the Merkato and
Atikilt Tera area.
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1.5. Methodology
1.5.1. Justification of the Case
The study population is selected from Atakilit Tera and Merkato areas. These areas are selected based on the following criteria:
 The volume of solid waste produced: In the areas there are high volume of waste produced at the time of selling and buying process, especially when the product is fruits and vegetables.
 Population density in the area: People from those area as well as from other areas are gathered for shopping purpose. More people are believed to dispose more waste. 1.5.2. Methods
The data collection involves methodological triangulation and data triangulation, or a combination of methods and data sources were important way to strengthen a study design in a single problem (Patton, 1990:187). The use of several methods (qualitative and quantitative) and different data sources (primary and secondary) were helpful to find adequate information and to get individual, group and institutional views (Yeraswork,
2000:296).
In general, qualitative and quantitative data were generated from primary and secondary sources. The secondary sources include legislation and policy documents, research works and other pertinent documents. Regarding the primary sources, fresh (qualitative and
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quantitative) data were generated to supplement the secondary data reviewed. These data were gathered by both structured and in-depth interviews from respondents at the selected areas. 1.5.2.1. Data Collection Method
The study was applied to different techniques in course of significantly assessing the community participation in solid waste management in the two areas. For the collection of primary data, interview and direct personal observation were employed and secondary data from various documents were reviewed.
1.5.2.2. Interview
Semi-structured interviews were held with randomly selected buyers and sellers in the selected areas. Interview was also conducted with the relevant and concerned officials.
These include Addis Ababa City Administration Office (SBPDA Office), Merkato and
Atikilt Teras Kebele Chair and Micro and Small Scale Enterprises and an NGO called
Green and Clean Addis Ababa Organization. This organization was selected because it work on creating awareness on solid waste management mechanism/techniques. Interviews were held to extract necessary information for the study. The interviews were conducted by using recording instrument by the data collectors or interviewer.
1.5.2.3. Observations
Personal observations through using photographs of the setting of the study were conducted to support the data analysis with valid pictorial inputs for the study.
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1.5.3. Sampling Method
The fact that the area of this study is a market place has made it difficult to acquire a complete list of all the study population from the respective management organ, the kebele.
Hence the respondents of the interview were selected using opportunistic random sampling technique. i.e. the people found at the study areas at the time of data collection will have equal chance of being interviewed. Therefore the sample size is determined to be 50 taking all the time and resource constraints of the study in to account.
Hence, since the total day of data collection is 6 days (Monday to Saturday), interviewees will be given to an amount of four respondents for the first five days and five respondents on Saturday. One additional respondent is included at Saturday since there were usually be more people (buyers) coming on the day. The same techniques were used for both Merkato and Atikilt Tera areas.
A total of 50 semi structured interviews were conducted rom both the areas (twenty five from each area). Eighteen vendors and seven buyers from each area were selected randomly and the interview had taken place. Moreover, in-depth interview from the two areas was conducted with Kebles administrators (Kebele 01/02/03 Administration Office from Merkato Kebele 01/02 Administration Office from Atikilt Tera) and Addis Ketema and Arada Sub-City administration officers, SBPDA officers, Green and Clean Addis
Ababa Organization manager, MSSE head and member and also with Atikilt Tera are venders committees chair.
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The responses from both the semi-structured interviews and In-interview incorporated with observations are discussed and the implications are also presented. An attempt is made to include interpretation in line with the basic research questions raised in chapter one.
Interviews that were conducted with concerned government officials, MSSEs and NGOs were selected based on purposive sampling method. Hence the number of interviewees were determined by the information gathered each time an interview is conducted. The interview was continued until the information is saturated.
1.5.4. Data Analysis
Information obtained through the various document analyses was integrated with the one obtained through semi-structured and in-depth interview. The data are presented using photgraph, frequency tables; charts, figures and other statistical analysis tools.
1.6. Study Limitations
Due to constraints of time and resources and to make the study manageable, the primary data collection task of the study was geographically confined to the Atikilt Tera and
Merkato areas on matters of community participation in Solid waste management. Other aspect of waste management is not discussed in this study. Besides that study covers only aspects related to government and the community based SWM system ignoring the contribution of individual effort and other variables.
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1.7. Significance of the Study
The significance of the study is to identify the strengths and weakness of CP in waste
Management and recommend some of the basic mechanisms of ensuring effective and sustainable community participation to enhance sustainable solid waste management. To be able to achieve this purpose the study will assess the level of community participation in solid waste management and to identify the factors affecting the level of participation. The study will also explain the impact of the ongoing participatory programs on solid waste management and their effect on the improvement of the livelihood of the community and environmental protection.
1.8. Organization of the Paper
This study comprised four chapters. In chapter one, the introduction part, the researcher have deal with the statement of the problem and objectives of the study. In this part is also presented the methodology used to conduct the study. Chapter two presents the theoretical and conceptual framework. It discussed the concepts of community participation and sustainability, the indicators of community participation and the concerned bodies involved in Community Participation. It provides some information that is vital to understand and analyze the situation of solid waste management services of the city. Chapter three analyses and discusses the practices of community participation in solid waste management in the study area. Chapter four summarizes the major findings, conclusions and suggests recommendations based on the analyses and discussions.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2. Definitions and Conceptual Framework
2.1. Clarifications and proposed definitions of community, participation and community participation
For the purpose of this paper, here are presents definitions and concepts more related with the study topic.
Community is defined as “the term which is applied to societies and social groups where they are considered from the point of view of the geographical distribution of the individuals and institutions of which they are composed". It follows from the definition that every community is a society, but not every society is a community. National Board of
Young Men's Christian Associations quoted (Park and et.al. 1959:24). "The community should be viewed as a process involving social structure and cultural behavior..."
(Brokensha and Hodge, 1969:1)
Participation is defined by World Bank as “a process through which stakeholders influence and share control over development initiatives and the decisions and resources which affect them” (qtd in Chambers, 2005:103).
Community Participation – “By definition, community participation can only be expressed through an activity of some kind. Hence there is always an interaction between the activity itself and the community group involved with that activity” (Abbott, 1996:
131).
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In the late 1960s there was some exploration of different models of participation and their relationship to community development. Since then concern around popular and community participation in key agencies such as the United Nations, has been part of the discourse of community development. As Midgley et al (1986: 23) have noted, the notion of popular participation and that of community participation were interlinked. The former was concerned with broad issues of social development and the creation of opportunities for the involvement of people in the political, economic and social life of a nation, 'the latter connotes the direct involvement of ordinary people in local affairs'. As such community participation can be seen as linking with older concerns with associational democracy and the like. In some countries the notion of community participation has reappeared in discussions around the need to bring some local services and facilities more directly into the control of local people (community development @ the encyclopaedia of informal education, n.d)
Shepherd (1998:7) describes it “for more than two decades development theorists and practitioners have lectured the world about the need for participation of ordinary people in development”. According to some, participation express “as currently understood, participation involves various communities and interest groups having a say in and contributing to the development processes that affect them” (Eversole and Martin, 2005:7).
One online integrated pilot project on community participation in solid waste management
(1996:3) study, express that, “Community participation is the process by which individuals and families assume responsibility for their own health and welfare and for those of community and develop the capacity to contribute to theirs and the community development”. In addition to this it said, “They come to know their own situation better and are motivated to solve their common problems. This enables them to become agents of their own development instead of beneficiaries of development aid” (Ibid).
Another writer also stated that “community participation is a process in which community members are involved at different stages and degrees of intensity in the project cycle with
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the objective to build the capacity of the community to maintain services created during the project after the facilitating organizations have left” (Laroui, 2000: front page).
On the other hand, Oakley stated, “Participation emphasizes on the achievement of predetermined targets rather than the act of participation, it is essentially a short term exercise. This is to mean that local people are mobilized to directly involve in the existing task, but the participation evaporates once the task is completed” (qtd. in Gebremedihin's
2004:18). The expression indicates that participation is a vehicle to achieve predetermined temporary objectives.
A book entitled Community organization in Africa argued that “citizen participation does not just happen. It must be sought energetically and imaginatively and developed continuously. This is a job never completed” (1959: 260-261). This argument suggests participation as an ongoing activity which should not be used as an instrument to achieve predetermined once short term activity.
According to Reid (2000:6) “Community participation is one of the key ingredients of an empowered community”. He also express that “Participation is the heart that pups the community's life blood - its citizens in to the community's business. …. Community participation is far more than a requirement; it is a condition for success” (Ibdi)
2.1.1. The Nature and Implementation of Community Participation
Different scholars explain the nature of community participation in different ways.
According to Abbott (1996:4), “Community participation is relevant in every sector of development whether it is education, health, conservation, agriculture, or water and
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sanitation. When it is practiced successfully it transforms programs and provides the critical component which can promote sustainable development”.
He gives emphasis on the understanding of the nature of community participation and said,
“In a world of rapid change, effective and meaningful community participation is a fundamental basis of security, either of the individual or of the state. A clear understanding of the nature of participation is central to the search for peace, social justice and democracy” (Ibid).
Abbott (1996:4) also argued that:
"As with any concept which has strong social and political implications, it is often convenient for those who interact with the process to interpret it in a way which meets their own interest, as well as their own particular perceptions. Thus, for example countries might see community participation simply as a way of mobilizing community support for projects; NGOs in the field, as well as CBOs, may see it as a vehicle through which local communities can take control of the development process and bring about sweeping political change; development agencies may see it as a method of improving project performance, whereas many governments and civil servants view it simply as threatening and subversive" Yeraswork has also said that “the nature of participatory intervention is expected to bring about has to be determined first. That is an intervention, which seeks to promote participation must be aware and defined clearly at the start of the intervention as to the likely nature of the participation it expects to promote. He also said that "In fact, this may change with the nature of the intervention. This awareness might help projects or development initiatives to determine the appropriate methodologies to promote participation” (qtd. In Gebremedin 2004:18).
Moser recognized that: “...historically, where the activity is a project, then the project has tended to dominate and determine the nature of the participation process” (qtd in Abbott
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1996:131). Thus it is said that the relationship between the two as one of dominance/subservience, the basis of the end approach to participation was the dominance of the participation process over the project (Ibid).
Apart from the above explanation in Oakley and et.al., the means and end approach has been explained. “Participation as a means is said to imply the use of participation to achieve some predetermined objectives. This is to say that participation is a way of harnessing the existing physical, economic and social resources of rural people in order to achieve the objectives of development programs and projects”. Participation as an end, on the other hand, “is seen essentially as a process which reveals overtime and whose purpose is to develop and strengthen the capabilities of rural people to intervene more directly in development initiatives” (qtd. in Gebremedihin, 2004: 16-17).
Moser argued that (qtd. In Abbott (1996:131):
"In reality it is not the evaluation participation either as a means or as an end which is important, but the identification of the process where by participation as a means has the capacity to develop in to participation as an end. Thus there is a transition from dominance of the project to dominance of the participation process. This seems logical in theory, but it has serious practical difficulties”.
Abbott (1996:131), concludes that, “The fundamental flaw from which most research suffers is that it is reductionist in its approach, rather than analytical. Thus it seeks to explain community participation in terms of a single, clearly defined ideal”. He also said,
“to achieve this goal, key phrases have been developed which aim to encapsulate the essence of the community participation process and develop a single form of participation
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which is applicable to all situations in all parts of the world”. In his consideration “the interaction between the activity and the beneficiary community does not operate in that way and should be seen rather as a symbiotic relationship between two complex processes”. Abbott also put the nature of activity in two ways as follows:
“Depending on the nature of the activity this interaction is believed to operate in two ways.
The first is limited to the beneficiary group and the activity, whereas the second is wider, embracing a range of outside actors”. He supposes that the elements of community participation are the products of these interactions and says that it is these elements which translate the conceptual framework from a theoretical concept to a practical vehicle applicable to real situations” (Ibid).
2.1.2. Participation in Practice and the Elements of Community Participation
There are different ways that are believed to be right to achieve deep community involvement by different writers. This implies that there is no one right way that applies for every community. Yet, there are some common elements to sound participation that will be found in all communalities. These elements as stated by Norman (2000:3-4), are:
Many people: the first and most obvious principle of participation is that many people are involved. The work of the community is not considered to be the special province of a knowledgeable few-perhaps the same elite leadership who has always run community affairs-but it is the business of everyone. Participating communities engage many people in their work (Ibid).
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Many Centered: Participating communities are open to involvement by many groups. They divide up responsibilities in a way that draws on the special talents and interests of contributing organizations by assigning responsibility for independent action to these groups. In short, under the overall umbrella of a representative community board, power and responsibility are decentralized in a participating community. The result is a community that has many centers to activity and that is capable of reaching deeply into the natural enthusiasm and talents of its citizens (Ibid).
Open and Advertised: The business of participating communities is open to all and widely publicized. Citizens are informed by a variety of means about the community's work, and opportunities for citizens to find meaningful roles in contributing to that work (Ibid).
Open to All Ideas: In participating communities, there is no such thing as a bad idea. All ideas are welcomed and treated with respect. This not only honors the person whose idea is put forward, but it also sets a welcoming tone (Ibid).
Inclusive and Diverse: In a participating community, no distinctions are drawn among various groups and types of personalities who offer themselves to community involvement. All should be welcomed into useful roles. Participating community do not sit by passively, waiting for a diverse groups of citizens to present themselves for involvement (Ibid).
Open Mind, Open Process: Participating communities operate so that it is clear to all that they are not controlled by any one organization, do not represent
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any one group of people, and are not limited to any one philosophy or way of doing business (Ibid).
Another writer, (Abbott, 1996:132), on the other hand has generated a total of 11 elements which appear to be important and need to be accounted for the community participation structure. These are:
 The objectives of the activity;
 The intensity of participation;
 The instruments of participation;
 The wider surround or environment which influences the participation process;
 The specific arena within which the participation process operates;
 Identification of the primary actors;
 The roles, agendas and relationships of the different actors;
 The point of input into the participation process, and who decided this;
 The practical implantation the participation framework;
 The differing needs of the community;
 The needs of the other actors.
2.1.3. The Needs and Benefits of Community Participation
It has been described in Barratt et.al, the need to participate in the analysis of the situation, to bring about awareness of the problem, is essential. When interventions are undertaken with the community, to meet their own needs, the people respond readily. Their taboos, cultures and values can not be broken down when they participate. But if the people had not been involved, they would have felt that their traditions were being undermined as usual, which is the response to many imposed interventions (1976:60).
19
Among the various benefits of community participation the following are the few that benefit mostly to the society that are identified by a solid waste specialist, A. Subash (n.d):
 Building local capacities and capabilities. for instance increase awareness of knowledge and capacities, may improve the ability to negotiate as equals with authorities and other stakeholders to promote common objectives and increase responsiveness to conflicts with the community
 Involvement in decision making. Participation can ensure that the different needs and problems of the community are integrated in any interventions.
 Empowerment. Community participation may give people the opportunity to devise and initiate strategies to improve their situation.
 Involving the community in the project may increase local ownership of projects and enhance a sense of responsibility for maintaining services provided by projects.
These aspects are both essential for the durability and continuity of interventions.
Reid (2000:35) has also explains the benefits of community participation as:
Community participation is not an idle principle. Communities that have chosen to follow it find that not only do they derive more satisfaction from the joy that comes from open community involvement, but they also said to achieve more results, more rapidly, and with greater benefit to the community as a whole. In short, participating communities succeed better than those that only talk about this important principle ... communities that engage their citizens and partners deeply in the work of community development are believed to raise more resources, achieve more results, and develop in a more holistic and -ultimately-more beneficial way.
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2.2. Solid Waste Management
2.2.1. Concepts of Waste Management
Pollution and waste accumulation have plagued human beings ever since man started living in permanent settlements, and a multitude of solutions have been developed throughout the centuries reflecting contemporary attitudes toward sanitation and ideas with respect to a decent environment (Grava, 1969:1).
Issue of waste management is not a problem of modern times only, but it is an old aged problem of mankind that did not get a lasting solution so far. Most people have mostly been careful to remove wastes from their own private dwelling, but the wastes are usually dumped immediately outside. This inherent public irresponsibility is a curious, human characteristic which was in evidence in the ancient advanced civilizations and is still with us today (Biruck 1969:17). Thus an organized community must therefore protect itself against the negligence of its own members through regulations, public works programs, and enforcement of quality levels as defined by itself (Grava, 1969:1).
In Ethiopia solid waste and solid waste management has been defined by Federal Negarit
Gazeta (No. 13, 12th February, 2007… page3525) 12th ) as follows:
"Solid Waste means any thing that is neither liquid not gas and is discarded as unwanted";
"Solid Waste Management means the collection, transportation, storage, recycling or disposal of solid waste, or the subsequent use of a disposal site that is no longer operational. 21
The level of industrialization increases or even simply as a result of growing access to packaged and consumer goods, waste disposal becomes an increasing problem in virtual societies. The problems are typically associated with nonbiodegradable or bioaccumulative substances such as waste pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, adn chemical sludges. These are often production wastes, but they can also arise from inapproprte application
(pesticides) or poor consumer behavior (waste motor oils). The development and widespread use of new substances such as plastics and the products that they have made possible have improved the standard of living for millions, but they have also introduced new threats to the environment (World Bank, 1998:30). Thus appropriate waste management techniques as to apply.
Wentz (1989:117) point up waste management techniques accordingly. "Solid waste management is an all-encompassing term. It can be used to describe several distinct processes: the elimination or reduction of waste; the recycling or reuse of waste material; the treatment or destruction of waste".
Wikipedia one of online free encyclopedia put in plain words and diagram about the concepts of waste management as follows:
 "Waste hierarchy - the waste hierarchy refers to the "3 Rs" reduce, reuse and recycle, which classify waste management strategies according to their desirability in terms of waste minimization"(en.wikipedia.org/wiki).
Wentz (1989:117) also state waste minimization as "the optimum choice of waste management techniques".
22
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki).
"The aim of the waste hierarchy is to extract the maximum practical benefits from products and to generate the minimum amount of waste" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki)..
 Extended producer responsibility - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), as stated in the wikipedia, is a strategy designed to promote the integration of all costs associated with products throughout their life cycle (including end-of-life disposal costs) into the market price of the product. It is also described that extended producer responsibility is meant to impose accountability over the entire lifecycle of products and packaging introduced to the market. This, according to this explanation, means that firms which manufacture, import and/or sell products are required to be responsible for the products after their useful life as well as during manufacture (Ibid).
 Polluter pays principle – the third concept which is Polluter Pays Principle is a principle where the polluting party pays for the impact caused to the environment. This is suggested with respect to waste management, which generally refers the requirement for a waste generator to pay for appropriate disposal of the waste (Ibid).
Prevention
Minimization
Reuse
Recycling
Energy recovery
Disposal
most favoured option least favoured option 23
Some are put the wastes management refers to the “4 Rs” in the following ways:
Four Rs (Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, Reduce) to be followed for waste management
(http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/solwaste/segre.htm):
1. Refuse. Instead of buying new containers from the market, use the ones that are in the house. Refuse to buy new items though you may think they are prettier than the ones you already have.
2. Reuse. Do not throw away the soft drink cans or the bottles; cover them with homemade paper or paint on them and use them as pencil stands or small vases.
3. Recycle. Use shopping bags made of cloth or jute, which can be used over and over again [will this come under recycle or reduce?].Segregate your waste to make sure that it is collected and taken for recycling.
4. Reduce. Reduce the generation of unnecessary waste, e.g. carry your own shopping bag when you go to the market and put all your purchases directly into it.
These solid waste management mechanisms/techniques were found to be adopted by the
Green and Clean Initiative Addis Ababa as the 4 "S" rules (¾îÆ“ ›[”ÕÈ ›Ç=e ›uv
Tu`, 2®®1).
2.2.2. Types of Solid Waste
Solid waste can be classified into different types based on different criterions. For instance, solid waste products may be described according to particle size as rubble, gravel, grit, ash, or dust; or according to their origin as overburden or spoil from mining operations, or slag or clinker from industrial processes. The chemical constituents of wastes are loosely classified into organic or inorganic substance. The imprecise term 'organic' is used for compounds of carbon, other than its oxides, metallic carbonates and related compounds.
24
Many organic waste compounds originate from living organisms, but others are manufactured. All other chemical compounds are described as non-organic or inorganic in composition. Small quantities of so-called biological wastes are produced by some food processing plants and medical and research institutions. These solid and effluent wastes are characterized by the presence of micro-organisms and a wide range of complex organic compounds (John and etal. 1981:21).
The previously cited book on the other hand classifies wastes based on their production sectors. There are eight broad sectors, according to the type of producers or industry from which the solid waste originates. These are:
 Domestic sector, commercial and retail trade sector, industrial manufacturing sector, construction industry sector, extractive industry sector, agricultural sector, nuclear industrial and power sector, food processing industry sector (Ibid)
2.2.3. Methods of Waste Management
It is inevitable that as there are different types of waste there will be varying methods of waste disposal. Briefly most solid wastes are deposited on land as tips or spoil heaps, or as land infill to quarries and mine shafts, or as dumps containing a large range of materials.
Waste is produced continually so there is often a need for some sort of storage facility. In respect of environmental pollution the quantity, the treatment, and disposal methods of waste are of prime importance (John and et.al. 1981: 84).
As has been stated in the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki) there are three major methods of waste management:
1. Disposal methods: there are two methods of waste disposal (Ibid).
25
 Landfill method: involves waste to dispose it off, and are often established in abandoned or unused quarries, mining voids or borrow pits.
 Incineration: is a disposal method that involves combustion of waste material and converts waste materials into heat, gas, steam, and ash
2. Recycling methods: is the process of extracting resources or value from waste.
There are three methods of recycling (Ibid).
 Physical reprocessing: reuse of every day waste materials such as empty beverage containers are collected and sorted into common types so that the raw materials from which the items are made can be reprocessed into new products.
 Biological reprocessing: waste materials that are organic in nature, can be recycled using biological composting and digestion processes to decompose the organic matter that can then be recycled as mulch or compost for agricultural or landscaping method.
 Energy recovery: the energy content of waste products can be harnessed directly by using them as a direct combustion fuel, or indirectly by processing them into another type of full.
3. Avoidance and reeducation methods: is the prevention of waste material being created, also known as waste reduction. Methods of avoidance include reuse of second-hand products, repairing broken items instead of buying new, designing products to be refillable (Ibid).
Waste avoidance and utilization can be seen as part of a broader hierarchy of approaches to achieving sustainable development. At the highest level are approaches that seek to satisfy human needs and requirements in ways that do not waste resources or generate harmful by
26
products or residuals. These approaches include changing consumer behavior and reexamining the range and character of the products and services produced. At a slightly lower level are efforts to redesign products and services and to raise consumers' awareness about the impacts of their decisions (World Bank, 1998:30).
2.3. Community Participation in Solid Waste Management
Like any other intervention there is a need for community participation in solid waste management. The disposal of garbage is a worldwide problem and a nightmare for many authorities.
Some municipalities fall behind in collecting garbage, which then piles up in the streets.
As good citizens, Christians are among the first to respond and comply with Caesar’s laws without complaining (Watchtower 2008:11).
Keeping any solid waste management systems running, at a minimum participation of the community is required in putting the garbage at the street in a proper way at the right time
(Subash, n.d). It is written by William apart from removal there is no question that society must prepare for extensive recovery and reuse of wastes if waste generation is to be substantially reduced (qtd. in Biruck, 1996:37).
Consumers in some of the wealthier countries are moving toward a greater awareness about the need for waste reduction, as shown by participation in recycling schemes and some demand for environmentally friendly products (World Bank 1998:30).
27
In addition to individual responsibility, people are believed to be collectively responsible in more or less organized activities, like meetings, clean-up campaigns, and awarenessraising activities (Subash, n.d.).
William has also stated that society will have to considered balances and choices within the environment as a whole and take full advantage of natural process to destroy harmlessly those residual wastes which can't be recycled (qtd. in Biruck, 1996:37).
Watchtower (2008:11), the family may decide to clean the house regularly each week and to schedule a thorough cleaning once or twice a year. And how about outside the house?
True Christians are willing to go the extra mile to make a contribution in this regard. They are interested in a clean environment and take the initiative in cleaning up, …they understand that cleanliness is a reflection of good training and responsible behavior. It starts with each individual and each family. Simple application of sanitation and cleanliness around the house will lead to better health as well as improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood.
Subash (n.d) said that community participation may involve making material, financial or physical contributions to activities of solid waste management, for instance working as cart operator or sweeper, and paying fees for waste collection. The success of community participation in solid waste management depends on other actors involve, such as the municipality, community-based organizations (CBOs), micro enterprises and local leaders.
Community participation of any kind is not also an end by itself; if its’ sustainability is not assured by other means. Subash has considered the following factors to favor the
28
sustainability of community participation and hence of services, like waste collection and separation:  Communication strategies are said to be essential to generate a broad-based understanding of solid waste issues among community members on the one hand and responsiveness of the stakeholders to the demands of the community on the other.  Representative local leaders and Community-based organizations (CBOs) are believed to stimulate community participation and ensure that community needs are taken into account.
 Women are also believed to play a determining role in waste management and they form important channels of communication.
 Community initiatives and CBOs are said to be less durable if they are not, at some point, recognized and supported by the local authority.
 Cooperation between the CBO and the local authority to maintain and operate the service system according to formal agreements with stakeholders.
 Follow-up support should also be given after project implementation to reinforce awareness and new practices and assist when required with operation and management of new organization.
Regarding effective and sustainable waste management, each and everyone has to involve in cleaning, collecting and appropriate disposing of waste. Attitude of the community, such just clean their closed environment and put out of their mind about their neighborhood as to change. And, the involvement of each and everyone, in cleaning their around one self's home as well as keeping clean their surround in continuous manner that improve the problem of waste management.
29
Environmental Development Action in Third World Enda-Ethiopia believes that individual efforts have a sustainable impact in so far they combine with the actions of others. And it says that, the participation of all those involved at different levels in the development process is sought (www.geocities.com).
2.4. Empirical Literature
2.4.1. Practices of community participation in solid waste management
Community participation has been vital instrument in response to environmental pollution caused by inadequate solid waste management in many developing countries. The major reasons of raising the issues of community participation in line with solid waste management in different countries are to improve their inappropriate solid waste management through creating awareness, initiatives & mobilizing the community.
In the city of Luanda- Angola, a pilot initiative was implemented to develop and test a model for the sustainable management of solid waste in the musseques that are not served by environmental sanitation programmes. The project was conducted with assistance from
Canadian and Swiss organizations. Active participation of the community was a key component. Another pilot project was conducted by Subash (n.d) on community participation in
Bangalore- India on waste management the fourteen wards of Bangalore, Nagapura, was chosen. The ward is mostly residential with some major commercial centers, which are described to be the major waste generators. Besides other things community participation was the most crucial component of the project to clean the ward. Community members have participated in different ways, such as paying collection fees, offering waste at the
30
appropriate time and separating recyclable materials. Furthermore, community members have involved in awareness-raising activities, participate in meetings to influence the process of the project or be part of committees that manage waste services. It is proposed in the paper that appropriate time frame, achievable objectives and adaptive planning can effect community participation in a positive way (A.Shabash n.d).
Since community participation is unquestionable for improving the problem of solid waste management, city administration is indispensable for a consistent path of environmental protection by increasing necessary ongoing awareness of the environmental problem due to in adequacy of solid waste management at stake in the community, and mobilizing them to bring valuable community participation.
Moser put important implications for the way in which community participation as a means and end, “participation is interpreted as a means, it generally becomes a form of mobilizations to get things done, as an end the objective is not a fixed quantifiable development goal but a process whose outcome is an increasingly meaningful participation in the development process” (qtd. in Abbott, 1996:36).
In short community participation is both a means and an end by itself.
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Chapter Three
3. Community Participation in Solid Waste Management in Merkato and Atikilt Tera Areas
The study was conducted in two areas namely Merkato, which is located in Addis Ketema sub city; and Atikilit Tera which is located in Arada sub city. This chapter deals with the presentation of facts; and the interpretation and implications of each result.
The presentation begins with brief description of the background information of the respondents and the presentation of data in photograph, tabular and graph form using frequency counts and percentages.
3.1. Socio-demographic background of respondents
The background information of the major study subjects’ (interviewed venders and buyers) is briefly discussed as follows.
Both Venders and buyers respondents from the two study area were asked to identify their background information through semi structured interview. In this respect the collected data were examined to describe the characteristics of the respondents’ in terms of sex, age and educational background.
A total of 50 respondents were contacted through semi-structured interview, from Merkato area (9 male and 9 female venders) and (4 male and 3 female buyers) from Atikilt Tera area (11 male and 7 female venders) and (1 male and 6 female buyer).
32
Graph 1 Respondents sex
From the graph, it can easily be understood that the number of male venders contacted around Atikilt Tera area is grater than females. In addition, there are more female buyers in the area when compared to that of
Merkato area. An attempt was made to balance these numbers but there were less number of female at the time of data collection.
Most of venders (33.33%) respondents of Merkato area found to be between the age 26 –
35. A large number of vender respondents (38.89%) of Atikilt
Tera areas found between the ages
15 – 25. (See graph 2A and graph
2B) This indicates that the majority of vender respondents were within in the range of the productive age group in both the areas. Graph 2A respondents age (Merkato)
33
Educational background
As far as education status of the sample interviewee is concerned,
11.11% of Merkato area venders and 16.67% of Atikilt Tera area venders have never attended school. Also 11.11% of venders from Merkato and 5.56% Atikilt
Tera area respondents can read and write.
Most vender respondents (44.44%) and (38.89%) from Merkato and Atikilt Tera area respectively have attend secondary school.
Only one male vender have firs degree and one buyer have second degree from Merkato area. Atikilt
Graph 2B respondents age (Atikilt Tera)
34
Table 1A respondent educational background (Merkato)
No. Item
Respondents
Merkato
Venders Buyers
Male Female Total % Male Female Total %
1 Illiterate 0 2 2 11.11 0 0 0 0.00
2 Read & Write 2 0 2 11.11 0 0 0 0.00
3 Primary school level 2 1 3 16.67 0 0 0 0.00
4 Secondary School 4 4 8 44.44 2 1 3 42.86
5 12th completed 0 2 2 11.11 0 1 1 14.29
6 Technique & vocational School graduate 0 0 0 0.00 0 1 1 14.29
7 College diploma 0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 14.29
8 First degree 1 0 1 5.56 0 0 0 0.00
9 Second degree 0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 14.29
10 Oher 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00
Total 9 9 18 100 4 3 7 100
Also one male and one female buyer have first degree and 3 female buyers have college diploma at the area of Atikilt Tera.
This indicates that most of vender respondents in both of the study area have not gone a long way through education, which may be the reason for the prevailing situation of SWM.
(Table 1A and 1B)
35
Table 1B respondent educational background (Atikilte Tera)
No. Item
Respondents
Merkato
Venders Buyers
Male Female Total % Male Female Total %
1 Illiterate 0 3 3 16.67 0 0 0 0.00
2 Read & Write 0 1 1 5.56 0 0 0 0.00
3 Primary school level 3 1 4 22.22 0 0 0 0.00
4 Secondary School 5 2 7 38.89 0 0 0 0.00
5 12th completed 3 0 3 16.67 0 2 2 28.57
6 Technique & vocational School graduate 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00
7 College diploma 0 0 0 0.00 0 3 3 42.86
8 College degree 0 0 0 0.00 1 1 2 28.57
9 MA 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00
10 Other 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00
Total 11 7 18 100 1 6 7 100
3.2. Evaluations of solid waste management problem at the two study area
Prior to assessing the level of community participation in SWM at the area of Merkato and
Atikilt Tera, the study investigated venders & buyers evaluation of SWM problem.
Accordingly 44.44% of vender respondents and 57.14% of buyer respondents said that the problem of SWM in Merkato area is very serious, while at the area of Atikilt Tera 83% venders and 100% of buyers said that the problem is very serious and 16.67% of venders said that the problem is serious. Only 16.67% of Merkato area venders said the problem is not serious.
This indicates that in the two study areas there is no adequate solid waste collection, transportation and disposal service. Particularly at the area of Atiklet Tera, the problem is much more exacerbated. (See Table 2)
36
Picture 1 Merkato area
Picture 2 Atikilt Tera area
Table 2. Respondent evaluations of solid waste management problem
No
Item
Respondents Respondents
Merkato Atikilte Tera
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % F % f % f %
1 Very serious 8 44.44 4 57.14 15 83.33 7 100
2 serious 4 22.22 3 42.86 3 16.67 0 0
3 moderate 3 16.67 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0
4 not serious 3 16.67 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0
Total 18 100 7 100 18 100 7 100
3.3. Causes of the SWM problem
In order to have detail analysis of community participation in SWM problem, the study assessed causes of the problem.
As can be clearly seen from table 3, from all respondent 83.33% of venders and 100% of buyers from Merkato area; and 94.44.33% venders and 71.43% buyers from Atkilt Tera area said that wastes are thrown out illegally in to drainage, ditches and on the asphalt road because of absence of the waste containers.
From all respondent 66.67% of venders and 57.14% of buyers from Merkato area; and 55.56% of venders and 85.71
% of buyers from Atikilt Tera area have also thought that the problem is due to lack of awareness (see Table – 3).
37
Picture 3 Merkato area
Picture 4 Atikilt Tera area
While from all venders respondent 66.67% from Merkato area and 58.82% of vender respondent from Atikilt Tera area said that there is also other cause in addition to all above mentioned problem. (see table 3)
According to some of the respondents from Merkato area, since the road is not asphalted it made it difficult to clean the area. The respondents also said that the lack of proper drainage system in the area has resulted in the accumulation of waste carried by flood especially in the summer times.
As reported by most respondents from both areas the cause is not only absence of container or lack of awareness. It is also negligence of the government official. According to them, the government does not carry out its responsibility of controlling illegal venders which produce most of the solid wastes and dump it irresponsibly around the area.
Though the legal venders pay fees for sanitation services for the government yearly, but those illegal venders do not pay sanitation fees. They also pay tax unlike the illegal venders.
In addition to the yearly payments of sanitation service, they are obliged to pay collection fees for MSSE in order to clean those areas which are not yet cleaned. This is due to the fact that
38
the MSSEs collect the waste but do not put it in the appropriate location. They just put the waste which is collected from vender's shop on their cart in front of venders shop and/or in the middle of the road until the waste collector tuck is available. (See picture 3 & 4)
These situations, according to most respondents, have resulted in high accumulation of wastes in those areas and it creates very bad smell which causes chest discomfort, chronic bronchitis and asthma attack.
Some government officials and the MSSEs have also admitted the aforementioned situations. However, SBPDA and Addis Ketema sub city administrator do not agree with the opinion that there is government negligence. According to them the major cause is a capacity problem. They said that the government is doing its level best to solve the problems. The MSSEs members have not only accused the government but also the venders for their negligence to solve the situation which aggravated the existing problem.
This implies that the causes of SWM problem around Merkato and Atikilt Tera area are multidimensional. Also the waste is jeopardizing the community health. Yet the health impact of the existing waste situation particularly at the area of Atikilt Tera is not well recognized. 39
Table 3-Respondent view on the cause of solid waste management problem
No Causes of the problem
Response
Respondents Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % f % f % f %
Wastes are thrown out illegally in to drainage ditches and on the asphalt road because of absence of the containers yes 15 83.33 7 100 17 94.44 5 71.43
No 3 16.67 0 0.00 1 5.56 2 28.57
1. Total 18 100 7 100 18 100 7
100.0
0
2.
People throw their waste near the full container because of the containers not being empty on time yes 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 11.11 1 14.29
No 18 100.00 7 100 16 88.89 6 85.71
Total 18 100 7 7.00 18 100 7 7.00
3.
Because of luck of awareness, people pay very little attention to solid waste management, so they are throwing their waste everywhere yes 12 66.67 4
57.1
4 10 55.56 6 85.71
No 6 33.33 3
42.8
6 8 44.44 1 14.29
Total 18 100 7 100 18 100 7 100.0
4. Others yes 12 66.67 0 0.00 10 58.82 0 0.00
No 6 33.33 7
100.
00 7 41.18 7
100.0
0
Total 18 100 7 100 17 100 7 100
3.4. The responsibility
The entire vender respondents from the two area and a considerable number (71.43% and
85.71%) buyer respondents of Merkato and Atikilt Tera area respectively, have said that the government is responsible for the above mentioned problem. From all respondents,
(38.89% and 11.11%) of vender; and (71.43% and 100%) of buyers from Merkato and
Atiklt Tera area respectively agreed venders are responsible. On the other hand from
Merkato area 17% vendors and 43% buyers agreed buyers are responsible. Among all the vender respondents, from Merkato 72.22% and from Atikilt Tera area 88.89% of respondent assumed that MSSE are responsible for those problems (See Table 4).
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In general, the responses indicate that all people in the area are responsible but the government’s responsibility is much more than the others.
Table 4 - Respondent opinion on responsible body for waste problems
No Item
Response
Respondents Respondents
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % f % f % f %
In your opinion who is responsible for this problem 11
Gov't
yes 18 100 5 71.43 18 100 6 85.71
No 0 0.00 2 0.29 0 0.00 1 14.29
Total 18 100 7 71.71 18 100 7 100
12
Venders yes 7 38.89 5 71.43 2 11.11 6 85.71
No 11 61.11 2 28.57 16 88.89 1 14.29
Total 18 100 7 100.00 18 100 7 100
13
Buyers yes 3 16.67 3 42.86 0 0.00 1 14.29
15 83.33 4 57.14 7 100.00 6 85.71
Total No 18 100 7 100.00 7 100 7 100
4
Micro and small scale enterprises yes 13 72.22 0 0.00 16 88.89 1 0.14
No 5 27.78 7 1.00 2 11.11 6 0.86
Total 18 100 7 1.00 18 100 7 100
3.5. Awareness on solid waste management mechanism/technique
Awareness is a major means of community participation in order to reduce the SWM problem. This section deals with issues related to awareness of the respondents in line with SWM mechanisms or techniques.
At the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera, the data collected indicate that most of the respondents are not aware of some mechanisms/techniques of SWM. Majority of the respondent (77.78% and 94.44%) Merkato and Atikilt Tera area venders respectively; and
(85.71% and 100%) Merkato area and Atikilt Tera area buyers respectively are not aware of SWM mechanisms/techniques (see Table 5A).
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This indicates that one of the major problems of community participation is Lack of awareness. Table -5A. Respondent awareness regarding the SWM mechanisms/techniques
No
Awarnesses on solid waste management mechanism/techniques Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % f % f % f %
Awarness
Yes 4 22.22 1 14.29 1 5.56 0 0.00
No 14 77.78 6 85.71 17 94.44 7 100
Total 18 100 7.00 100 18 100 7 100
Among the respondents who are supposed to have awareness of SWM techniques;
Two vendors (50%) from Merkato area and one (100%) vender and buyer from Atikilt
Tera area stated waste separation, while 3(75%) venders from Merkato area. Know waste reduction and 3 (75%) venders respondents reported that waste disposing (see Table 5B) .
Table 5B. Respondent awareness regarding waste separtation, reduction and desposing
No Item
Response
Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % f % f % f %
1 Waste separation yes 2 50 1 100 1 100 0 0.00
No 2 50 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00
Total 4 100 1 100 1 100 0 0.00
2 Waste reduction yes 1 25 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00
No 3 75 1 100 1 100 0 0.00
Total 4 100 1 100 1 100 0 0.00
3
Waste desposing yes 3 75 0 0 0 0.00 0 0.00
No 1 25 1 100 1 100 0 0.00
Total 4 100 1 100 1 100 0 0.00
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Among those people who reported to know waste separation, a response forwarded from one of the respondents to question presented by interviewer for what they do with the separated waste;
"I used this grass grappling reputedly to protect my potter being broken".
Another respondent said that, "I separate unused pieces of garment and I put it in front of my shop then people with low income particularly children take it and they sell it. The price for 1 kilogram of pieces of garment is 0.50 cents. It is used to make pillow".
Others used separate wastes such as chat, papers, and cartons as source of fuel.
As far as the view of respondents on awareness raising responsibility is concerned, 77.78% of venders and 100% of buyers from Merkato area and 100% of venders and 57.14% of buyers from Atikilt Tera area replied that the government is responsible for awareness raising. 14.29% of buyers respondents from Atikilt Tera area said it is the responsibility of
Private Institutions to create awareness among the community; where as 22.22% of
Merkato area venders and 28.57% of Atikilt Tera area buyers said that it is the responsibility of community based organization/venders association (see Table 6).
This indicates that majority of the community expect awareness raisings program concerning solid waste management mechanisms from the government.
43
Table 6-respondents opinion on awareness raising responsibilities
No
Who do you think is responsible for awareness raising
Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % F % f % f %
Government 14 77.78 7 100 18 100 4 57.14
1 NGO's 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00
2 Private institution 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 14.29
3
Community based organization 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00
4 Venders association 4 22.22 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 28.57
Total 18 100.00 7 100.00 18 100.00 7 100.00
Currently, the sanitation and Beautification Agency’s gives the municipality’s solid waste management service. A response forwarded by staff of SBPDA, who is integrated SWM process owner, to the question, how do you attempt to create awareness in line with SWM mechanisms/techniques? She said that deferent techniques like media coverage, exhibitions, and other possible ways are tried to increase the public awareness about SWM.
Similarly Green and Clean Addis Ababa Initiative distributes brochures, posters and stickers to the community member through the sub-cities in order to raise the public awareness with respect to solid waste reduction, reuse, recycle and refuse (refuse to by new item and use the ones that are in the house). According to the manager they distribute 400 brochures, 200 stickers, 50 posters and 400 flyers/pamphlets. In addition to this the Green and Clean Addis Ababa Initiative also distributes to the program participants T-shirt by the
44
name of Green week from Sene 29 to Hamle 5 and by the name of Clean Week from Hidar
12 to Hidar 18 for a week.
On the other hand a respondent who is a vendor has said that venders are so busy they don’t have time,..... their day to day life is limited to trading process.... they are tax payers.... they are contributors to development so awareness raising responsibility is the government’s. The government should reach venders and aware them through venders representative or vender association or other appropriate means.
One of the buyer respondents added;
“ in my opinion awareness raising means not talking about solid waste problem and its solution via media in a fashionable word, it should be in practical manner,.... for instance, providing appropriate and on time solid waste management system can create awareness among the community. Otherwise, how can we say venders are aware or not aware with out providing the appropriate facilities and infrastructures?”
This indicates that there is an information gap between the government officials and the community. Although the governmental and non-governmental institutions were made awareness raising efforts, it is, according to opinions survey, insignificant.
3.6. Types of the solid waste at the two study area
From the two study area produce dissimilar types of wastes. In Merkato, there are different types of wastes mostly festal, pieces of paper, khats and the like thrown every where, in the middle of the road and on the edges of the asphalt. In this regard almost all respondents said that there are packaging items like festal and paper types of waste are thrown on the road, while other respondents said that there are wastes of chat on the road side; and few
45
respondents added that there are grass clippings, plastic plates and broken glasses types of waste thrown on the road. In the area of Atikilt Tera the waste types are almost homogeneous. The entire respondents said that organic types of wastes like fruit and vegetable waste are abundantly found on the asphalt road.
A respondent from Merkato area, who is a member of MSSE, pointed that metals are not considered as wastes in the area. According to the respondent, although the community disposes the wastes without separation, especially low-income groups, including some
MSSE members separate waste and they used as financial sources. Even pieces of metals thrown in the waste containers are said to be separated by using a magnet by these people.
Mostly children will sort the waste and make sure that they get the benefit, whether in terms of cash (will be sold to "koralie"), and interms of equipment (will be exchange with
"lewach"). He also added that festal are also for sale, although their price is cheap. Of course, the researcher has witnessed the absence of metals in the wastes stored in the container during observation.
This case implies that the amount of waste accumulation will be minimized if the wastes were marketable. Even from the marketable ones, those wastes which produce better income are preferred by those which use the waste for generating income. Such practices have to be encouraged because they contribute to reducing the quantity of waste that needs to be carried to the collection containers and transported to the disposal site.
Generally at the two studies area most of recyclable, reusable and compostable items are dumped on the road and affect the health of the community instead of utilizing for other
46
0
50
100
121.11 9 3 2 2 18
50.00
16.67 11.11 11.11
100
0.00 13 5 0 0 18
72.22
27.78
0.00 0.00
100
Venders Respondent Merkato f
Venders Respondent Merkato %
Venders Respondent Atikilt Tera f
Venders Respondent Atikilt Tera % purposes. Only wastes are separated and utilizes as sources of income by low- income groups around Merkato.
3.7. Solid waste collection transportation and disposal service provider to the community Adequate SWM service is important to solve the existing problem. In Merkato and Atikilt
Tera area, the study assessed how the solid waste collection and disposal service is rendered and the time when the services are provided. As responses of 50% and 72.22% venders from Merkato and Atikilt Tera respectively, most of the waste collection service covered by MSSE (see graph- 3).
Graph-3. SWM service provider
According to SBDA officials, government grant most waste collection activity for micro and small scale enterprises (MSSE) recently. This is intended to create jobs for those who were unemployed and street children. MSSE have got permission through kebles and perform the activities of solid waste collection from each household.
Their role is restricted on waste collection and they have no temporary waste handling mechanism. Providing transportation is government responsibility.
47
The finding of the study shows that they simply collect wastes in irregular time and fill the wastes in a sack or put on their trailer until the government provide truck for final transpiration. On the other hand the government has shortage of waste collection truck.
Due to this fact the waste is not transport in appropriate time and the waste is mostly accumulated on the road side. This situation aggravates the problem of SW on the two study areas especially at the area of Atikilt Tera area. This situation discussed in detail manner in the subsequent sub topics as follows.
3.8. Timeliness of the services
Timely delivery of service is vital to ensure adequate solid waste collection, transportation and disposal.
Graph - 4. Timeliness of the service
In practice, in Mercato and Atikilt Tera areas, time of collection and transportations are the major problem the communities faced. Respondents were asked the frequency of waste collection service. About 57.14% of respondent from Merkato and 46.15% from Atikilt
0
20
40
60
80
100 f % f %
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Respondents
8
57.14
6
46.15
0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28.57
2
15.38
2
14.29
5
38.46
14
100
13
100
Once in a day Twice a day Once in a week
Twice in a week Three time in a week other
Total
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Picture 5 Atikilt Tera area Picture 6 Merkato area
Tera said that services is provided once in a day; while 28.57% of respondent from
Merkato and 15.38% of respondent from Atikilt Tera said that it is three time in a week.
Among respondents, some said that;
“the service is given in irregular bases, but it is mostly provided once in two days”.
The timely waste collection does not guarantee timely waste reduction. In line with this one respondent said;
“Even if the waste collectors collect the waste from our shop, MSSE don’t have their own temporary storage place and transportation service, they put the waste in the middle of the road or in the corner of the road until the government waste collector trucks are available”. In line with this idea, the role of MSSE is to collect waste from individual vendors and put it somewhere so that a government truck come and transport it to dumping areas. As in the case of Merkato, the vendors will fill their wastes in a sack and the MSSEs will collect
49
and lay it until it is taken by the government collectors. These actions of the MSSEs are said aggravate the problem for they only change the area of waste accumulation rather than removing it.
There are complains that MSSEs are considering the work as only a means to get money, that their contribution is negatively affecting the SWM. The government officials whom the researcher has contacted have agreed on this idea. On the other hand, some respondents from the vendor side have suggested that the government should have intruded and regulated the situation with the MSSEs.
Edget Behberet and Brihan Micro and Small Scale solid waste collector enterprise head and member from Merkato and Atikilt Tera respectively said that their duty is to collect wastes mainly for those who paid the waste collection fees. Transportation service is provided by government. However on the side of the government there is the problem of timely transportation of collected wastes by MSSEs. This in turn creates another problem in the two study area.
Interview with, both Kebeles chair (Kebele 01/02/03 from Merkato Kebele 01/02 from
Atikilt Tera), and SBPDA reveal that there is shortages of trucks. A major constraint encountered with SBPDA is a shortage of trucks of waste transportation and disposing service. SBPDA has about 90 trucks. Even if it owns 90 trucks out of this only 60 truck are currently functional. Addis Ketema sub city have 10 trucks out of this only 5 waste collector trucks are currntly functional and Arada Sub-City have 10 trucks however only 3 waste collector trucks are currently functional.
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The kebele 01/02/03 chair from Merkato, specifically added;
“although there is shortage of trucks, , the MSSEs members are given trainings on how to take care of the waste until the transportation service is rendered. This will at least give a temporary solution to the problem.”
An Integrated Solid Waste Disposal Owners from SBPDA emphasized this point by saying; “ in current situation we have shortages of trucks and manpower. Most of our trucks are old and they barely work on regular terms. They mostly malfunction and the time it takes to fix their problems is relatively elongated. The nature of the waste has also contributed its share for this problem.”
Generally speaking, the mode and timing of the service does not consider the volume of the wastes which is produced in the two trade centers and the interest of the community. It also indicates that there is no well integrated and planned solid waste collection, transpiration and disposal services.
3.9. Participation in Solid Waste Management
Community participation in SWM is believed to play important role. Communities can participate in various ways. Paying fees and extra financial contribution for waste collection, labor and material contribution, keeping and sorting waste in proper manner are way of community participation to contribute to the efforts of ensuring SWM
(Subash, n.d).
51
Picture 5 Merkato area
With this regard, the study tries to assess the community view on participation in SWM in the study areas. In line with these, respondents were asked what they do with the solid waste if they found the container is full or absences. Among all vender respondent,
11.11% from Merkato and 55.56% from Atikilt Tera as well as 28.57% buyers from Atikilt
Tera area replied that they dispose it near to full containers. (See Table 6)
At the same time, 50% of venders and 71.43% of buyers from Merkato area and 33.33% of venders and 57.14% of buyers from Atikilt Tera said they dump it on the road side. Only 16.67% of vender from Merkato area and 11.11% of venders from Atikilt
Tera area respondents said that they store it with their own temporary handling until a replacement container available while the rest 22.22% of Merkato area vender respondents said other ways among which one of them said;
“We dump it on the rive, because we have no any temporary waste storage place……sure we are not expected store our waste in our shop? That’s why we pay extra money per month for MSSE in addition to pay in each year for sanitation service for the government.
We don’t have any alternative than to dump the waste in the rivers” (see picture 5)
52
Table-7 Respondent action if they found the container full or absences from the study area
No Item
Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Buyers Venders Buyers f % F % f % f %
1 dispose it near to full containers 2 11.11 0 0 10 55.56 2 28.57
2 dump it on the road side 9 50.00 5 71.43 6 33.33 4 57.14
3
store it with your own temporary handling until a replacement container is available 3 16.67 0 0 2 11.11 0 0
4 specify/ any 4 22.22 2 28.57 0 0.00 1 14.29
Total 18 100 7 1 18 100 7 100
As responses, indicate more than half respondents forced to dump there waste in improper way. So maintaining the quality of the SWM service is urgent problem in the two study areas hence it needs caution.
3.10. Payments for SWM Service
Respondents were further enquired whether they made financial contribution to dispose waste they generate or not. It is to be noted that the payment in this context does not include the taxes and the annual payments for sanitation service to the government.
77.78% (Merkato) and 72.22% (Atikilt Tera) respondents is replied that they made additional payments to MSSE to dispose their waste they generate.
Table -8 Payments for SWM service
Among those respondents who said they pay fees to MSSE at the area of Merkato the most of
No Item
Vender Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera f % f %
1 Payer 14 77.78 13 72.22
2 None payer 4 22.22 5 27.78
Total 18 100.00 18 100.00
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respondents (28.57%) made payment between the amount ranges of 16-20 per each shop per/month. While at area of Atikilt Tera the majority (53.85%) of respondents made payment between the amounts 26-30 not per each shop it is per each person (See Table 9).
Table - 9 Amount of fee per month for waste disposal
Thus from the above response it is understood that the amount and mode of payment in the two studies areas is different from each other. It may be because of the rate and type of waste produced in the two areas.
3.11. Level of solid waste disposing service in Merkato and Atikilt Tera
It is obvious that the overall goal of urban solid waste management is to collect, transport and dispose of solid waste generated by all urban population groups in an environmentally and socially satisfactory manner using the most economical means available.
Among those respondents who are paid waste collection fees to their service provider only
22% of Merkato area respondents are satisfied but the majority of service receivers are unsatisfied. (See Table 10)
Amount
of fee
Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera f % f %
5 -10 2 14.29 0 0.00
11-15 3 21.43 1 7.69
16-20 4 28.57 3 23.08
21-25 3 21.43 0 0.00
26-30 2 14.29 7 53.85 above 30 0 0.00 2 15.38
Total 14 100 13 100
54
0
20
40
60
80
100
f % f %
Merkato Atikilt Tera
Venders Respo ndent
4
28.57
6
46.15
10
71.43
7
53.85
14
100
13
100
1 Yes 2 No 3 Total
Table -10. Vender respondent view on the service they get is satisfactory or not
No
Respondents views on the service they get is satisfactory or not
Venders Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera f % f %
1 Satisfied 0 0 0 0
2 Accepted 5 27.78 0 0
3 Dissatisfied 13 72.22 18 100
Total 18 100 18 100
This indicates that MSSE do not play vital role in providing satisfactory solid waste management at the two study areas. This could also mean that the government official particularly Kebele administrations do not have any controlling mechanism over such enterprises whether they are carrying out their function properly or not. According to some respondents the government does not have any regulation mechanisms except for giving license to such institution.
Graph 5. Respondent answers weather they ask their rights or not
The respondents were also asked whether they informed the responsible organs about their dissatisfaction with the service they get or not. In this regard 46.15% respondents from Atikilt Tera area and 28.57% of respondent from Merkato area have found to report to the situation to responsible body (See graph 5).
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This indicates that most of the respondent do know the existence of problems, and accomplish their duties. However most of them have difficulties to get proper services and to get their right to live in clean environment is protected.
3.12.Community participation other than paying fees for SWM service
A large number (72%) of Atikilt Tera area vender respondents unlike Merkato’s (11.11%) have participated in financial contribution other than paying SWM service to MSSE monthly and sanitation service in annually to the government. (See Table 11A).
Table – 11A Vender Respondent contributions
NO Item
Venders Response
Response Merkato Atikilt Tera f % f %
22.1
. financial contribution other than paying fees for waste collection/disposal services yes 2 11.11 13 72.22
No 16 88.89 5 27.78
Total 18 100 18 100
22.2
labor contribution to activities of solid waste management yes 0 0.00 2 11.11
No 18 100 16 88.89
Total 18 100 18 100
22.3 material contribution yes 0 0.00 0 0.00
No 18 100 18 100
Total 18 100 18 100
22.4 no contribution yes 14 77.78 5 27.78
No 4 22.22 13 72.22
Total 18 100 18 100
22.5 other yes 0 0.00 1 5.56
No 18 100 17 94.44
Total 18 100 18 100
According to A.Subash (n.d), in addition to paying fees for waste collection service and other financial contributions, the community involved in awareness raising campaigns and meetings by establishing a committee that control solid waste management services.
56
However, in the study areas, besides participating in awareness raising and clean-up campaigns, the communities do not play any further role. They believe that awareness rising is only the government’s responsibility.
In Merkato unlike Atikilt Tera, the community does not have any self controlling mechanisms over solid waste facility. Surprisingly, the waste situation in Atikilt Tera area is worse than Merkato. Atikilt Tera area venders attempt efforts to ask their right from responsible bodies through their representatives. 44.44% respondents explain that they providing communities meeting throughout the process for solid waste collection, transportation and storage or disposal facilities, and express their concerns over solid waste management service through their representatives (see Table 11B). In this regard buyers participation were insignificant only 1 respondents tried to express his concern over solid waste problem for the vender (See Table 10C).
There is venders association in the area of Atikilit Tera which has “legal vendor” members.
The association established new committee to solve the various problems the vendors are facing in their work. Among the issues handled by this association is SWM. Even if the majority of venders respondent not participate in the meeting because of time constraint, as one of the respondent explanation they are willing to accept and perform the committee decisions over the solid waste controlling facilities and the like.
As this committee chair from Atikilt Tera area presented it, all venders paid 148 birr per month for trade license to municipal service in addition to the monthly payments of waste collection fees for MSSE. This committee has gone through a lot of work to change the situation in the surrounding. Almost all shop owners agreed to contribute 100-500 per
57
month. This is temporary remedy for the encountered problem. He also added that we need the government support or else solving this problem is not essay for us.
Table – 11B. Vender respondent contributions other than financial, labor and material
A particular location which is found around the traffic light square besides Atikilt Tera areas then cleaned and promoted into a “park” or green area. Also the committee tried to make new contract with other two private enterprises which is believed to have better facilities and potential than the MSSE to give not only waste collection service but also transportation service to the disposal area in order to clean Atikilt Tera area.
But still the volume of waste produced in a day and the available transpiration service is not corresponding and the solution to the problem is said to lacks sustainability, that the initiative lacks continuity.
No Item response Venders respondent
Merkato Atikilt Tera f % f %
1
providing communities meeting throughout the process for solid waste collection , transportation and storage or disposal facilities, and express their concerns over solid waste management service through their representative yes 0 0.00 8 44.44
No 18 100 10 55.56
Total 18 100 18 100
2
providing awareness-raising activities by the community yes 0 0.00 0 0.00
No 18 100 18 100.00
Total 18 100 18 100
3
preparing clean-up campaigns by the community yes 0 0.00 0 0.00
No 18 100 18 100
Total 18 100 18 100
4 Specify if any yes 0 0.00 0 0.00
No 18 100 18 100.00
Total 18 100 18 100
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Table – 10 C. Buyer Respondent contributions
No Participation
Buyers Respondents
Merkato Atikilt Tera
F % F %
1
express your concern over solid waste problem for the vender 0 0.00 1 14.29
2
express your concerns over solid waste problem of this area for the responsible officials 0 0.00 0 0.00
3
by keeping your waste until you get waste container 4 57.14 3 42.86
4 nothing 3 42.86 3 42.86
5 other/specify 0 0.00 0 0.00
Total 7 100 7 100
As opposed to this view, the SBPDA officials said they are responsible for this improvement. She said “the extra ordinary smell coming from the hill type waste which was accumulated around the area calls for us. It is not because the community has communicated us about the situation.”
On the other hand, the Arada sub city chair, supporting the idea of committee chair said the committee has played the major role on the beautification of the area, that the community participation is the vital player. According to him the Atikilt Tera area waste production is very high, they have only 3 trucks. MSSEs haven’t their own transpiration mechanism.
Their roles were collection solid waste from the venders shop. Providing transpiration was our role. Yet we have shortage of track in addition to this the track loading capacity is only
10mc if we transport the waste 4 times in a day only120mc waste can transported to disposal site at Ripe area, the remaining is live there so the waste become buildup. Thus the problem is become very serious. At the moment Atikilt Tera area community make an effort to improve this problem. So that particular place now change in to a green area the community spend hug amount of money for this.
59
As a result the level of community participation in SWM problem is very significant at the area of Atikilt Tera unlike in the cases of Merkato area. As the researcher consistent observation the researcher also witnessed improvements in the area of Atikilt Tera. In addition to this the government support is fundamental to ensure sustainability of the community participation.
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Chapter four
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
4. Summary,
This study tried to assess solid waste management practice and assess community participation in SWM at the area of Merkato and Atikilt Tera.
The focus areas of the study include the solid waste situation; the role of the community participation in the process of SWM; identify factor affecting the community participation; measure the role of the private sector, community-based organizations and the responsible offices (SBPDA) in solid waste management of the Merkato and Atikilt
Tera area.
4.1. Major findings;
4.2. Factors Affecting Community Participation
From the two study area the entire investigation can be deduced that the following are,
Factors affecting participation
 The existence of illegal venders with legal vendors who don’t pay fees for waste collection  Lack of time and awareness of the venders on solid waste management mechanisms/techniques such as waste separation, waste reduction, and reuses of waste instead of buying new items.
 Lack of controlling mechanism over the service provider is the major barriers.
61
 Information gap between government and community
 Lack of awareness about the importance of support and mutual cooperation among the stakeholders.
 Lack of adequate temporary waste storage place.
 Lack of alternatives of waste disposal mechanism.
 Lack of guarantee to get a response after asking for their rights.
 Lack of government concern.
 Mismatch of waste production rate and governments waste collection capacity.
 The restriction of role of MSSE to waste collection that transportation and disposal.
4.3. Conclusion
The major factor that has been revealed in the study which has affected the prevailing situation in both the study areas is lack of awareness. The community both the areas haven’t been introduced to the current SWM techniques and the appropriate facilities are not established. This has resulted in the accumulation of waste which in response tends to be a risk factor for the physical and mental well being of the community; the waste should have been recycled and used as a source of income for the government rather than additional cost. In general terms the solid waste situation in the area is worsen by the absence of consciousness about the consequences. The responsible government and nongovernmental organs have hardly given their attention to this end.
Among which, lack of awareness on solid waste management such as waste separation, waste reduction, and reuses of waste instead of buying new items; lack of government concern, the presence of information gap between government and community; lack of
62
controlling mechanism over the service provider are the most important factors. Only an informed, educated and conscious community can have a significant impact on the performance of the community role in line with SWM.
Private sectors and responsible offices have also their share on the reduction of the solid waste management. MSSEs as an instance have helped the community providing a temporary disposal of the wastes. However, these groups have not been empowered financially to do all the SWM. The responsible offices did not give a practical solution to the problems faced by the community.
According to this study participation has been witnessed from both the areas although the degree of participation varies. Specifically, the Atikilt Tera vendors have done their best to overcome the problem concerning solid waste from their area. On the contrary the situation is aggravated in this area. The reason is partly from the load of waste produced from the area. However the major contribution is from ignorance of the government. The community lacks support from the government. It can be concluded from this case that no matter how well community participated in the issue, the absence of support from the government has negatively affected the SWM.
4.4. Recommendation
 Community participation in solid waste management should be considered as crucial element to ensure the sustainability of the solid waste problem. The government support for new and existing community participation will improve overall solid waste problem. Therefore government should have to support them.
63
 Active community participation in SWM must be ensured through effective mobilization and awareness creation on the mechanisms of solid waste reduction at the source, waste separation; waste minimization and reduction and the like. In this regard government should have to increase awareness of the community by reconsidering its awareness raising mechanism. The public should be made aware by arranging awareness site that the waste should not be spread on streets, roads, etc. People should be made aware of the fact that if the waste is properly disposed off from the house/shop then the environmental will not get polluted. Many severe diseases can spread by improper disposal of SW.
 Waste disposal options/equipment/ should be available in proper manner. By providing proper and plenty alternatives of solid waste avoidance or disposal mechanism also can create awareness in practical way such as how to and where to the community dispose their solid wastes. Thus the number of staff members should be adequate according to the population of the area and the waste production rate, provision of bins, containers, trolleys and trucks. Their number should be sufficient and the government should take care that the number of these equipments and material of the containers should be okay. Proper finances and system to system coordination is an important issue.
 Community members also should be encouraged to demand and fight for their right.
 The government should have to be concerned and give due attention for the community in order to alleviate the existing problem of the two study areas.
 Government should have to provide alternative mechanisms or place to dispose the solid wastes and have to prepare temporary waste storage mechanism or temporary waste storage place very close to the two areas.
64
 Government should have to assess new mechanisms to change the solid waste become marketable.  Composting could also be an economic feasible alternative. By composing solid waste can be utilize organic fertilizer instead of using chemical fertilizers. Proper marketing by government so that the organic fertilizer produced should be sold out.
 Opportunities and concepts for private sector involvement require special consideration
 A wide-ranging policy framework is needed at the local level to link public health, environmental, privatization, delegation (transfer the service provision to local government) and financially viable mechanism policies to the needs of the solid waste sector so that they are mutually supportive.
65
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