Assessing the Impact of Solid Waste on Human Health: A Case Study of Pondamali Slum in Nakuru District, Kenya
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Date
2008-09
Authors
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Kampala International University, bachelors degree of science in Environmental management
Abstract
Solid waste management in the world over has proven to be a challenge, developing countries
like the lead in poor solid waste management, this could be attributed to a number of factors
which include lack of capacity either financially or infrastructure, and this has contributed
largely to the deterioration of health standards of the poor who live in slum areas. A study on
assessing the impacts of solid waste management on the human health was carried out in
pondamali Slum, Nakuru district Kenya .This research sought to answer questions on solid waste
generated by the residents, health effect caused by the poor disposal of waste, the efforts of local
residents to handle the problem of poor solid waste management and the measures that can be
put in place to control the problem of poor solid waste management in the slum
To investigate the above variables a general survey research design was used. Data collection
tools included interview, photography, observation, literature review and questionnaire.
interviews were carried out to the various groups in Pondamali slum and its nearest environs;
photography was used to capture visual data of various parts of the slum and its environs,
available literature was also reviewed on the effect of poor slid waste disposal on human health.
Questionnaires to describe the effects of poor solid waste disposal on the human health were also
distributed, to get greater depth of response.
This research reveals the effects of poor disposal of wastes on the general human health and
further highlights the highest source of solid waste in Pondamali. The major impacts of poor
disposal of wastes in the area as the study identified were diseases, bad odor and blockage of
drainage systems. This research established what has been done to protect human health through
community participation, setting up of policies and laws together with recycling of wastes.
The study came up with recommendations that must be put in place in order to manage wastes.
They included raising awareness of the public and decision makers, developing self financing
schemes, supporting strategic planning and follow up implementation, developing human
resources, community participation and defining clear roles of relevant agencies in developing
countries.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Award of Degree of Bachelors Of Science in Environmental management
Keywords
Solid Waste on Human Health, Nakuru District, Kenya