Emerging Issues in Urban Waste Management ... - Practical Action

Proceedings of the Emerging Issues in Urban Waste Management
Workshop
organised by
Practical Action Southern Africa
Newlands, Harare
10 February 2006
Jameson Hotel, Harare
i

1.0 Executive Summary.................................................................................................1
2.0 Opening Remarks.....................................................................................................3
3.0 Purpose of the Workshop.........................................................................................3
3.1 Background Information..........................................................................................3
3.2 Causes ......................................................................................................................4
3.3 Solutions ..................................................................................................................5
3.4 Workshop Objectives...............................................................................................5
4. Service Provision: Emerging Issues in Urban Waste Management...........................6
4.1 Background..............................................................................................................6
4.2 Local Government System.......................................................................................6
4.3 Waste Management Challenges...............................................................................7
4.4 Refuse Collection, Disposal and Management ........................................................7
4.5 Sewerage disposal....................................................................................................8
4.6 Palliative Strategies..................................................................................................9
4.7 Conclusion .............................................................................................................10
5. Current Challenges in Waste Management in Harare..............................................10
5.1 Historical Background ...........................................................................................10
5.2 Challenges..............................................................................................................10
5.3 Effect of the Prevailing Problems..........................................................................11
5.4 Efforts to Address the Situation.............................................................................11
6. Discussion................................................................................................................11
7. Policy and Legislative Environment Governing Waste Management In Zimbabwe
......................................................................................................................................13
7.1 Introduction............................................................................................................13
7.2 Laws Governing Waste Management....................................................................13
7.3 Environmental Management Act ...........................................................................13
7.3.1 Waste Management-Related Functions of the Environmental Management
Agency .........................................................................................................................14
7.3.2 Standards for Waste ............................................................................................14
7.3.3 Hazardous Waste ................................................................................................15
7.3.4 Prohibition Against Littering ..............................................................................15
7.3.5 Local Environmental Action Planning (LEAPS) (Section 95)...........................16
7.3.6 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Section 97–108)..............................16
7.3.7 Drawbacks in the Enforcement of the Act..........................................................16
7.4 Urban Councils Act (CAP 29:15)..........................................................................16
7.5 Rural District Councils Act (CAP 29:13) ..............................................................17
7.6 Water Act (Cap 20:24)...........................................................................................17
7.7 Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (CAP 29:12) .....................................17
7. Public Health Act (CAP 15:09) ...............................................................................17
7.9 Policies Governing Waste Management................................................................17
7.9.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (1994)..............................................17
7.9.2 National Sustainable Development Strategy (2004)...........................................18
7.9.3 Draft Waste Management Strategy (2006) .........................................................18
7.9.4 Science and Technology Policy (2002) ..............................................................18
7.9.5 Draft National Environmental Policy (2003)......................................................18
7.9.6 Problems with the Policies..................................................................................18
7.10 By-Laws for Waste Management ........................................................................19
7.11 Conclusion ...........................................................................................................19
ii

7.12 Recommendations................................................................................................19
8. Working with Communities in Waste Management................................................19
8.1 Introduction............................................................................................................19
8.2 Interaction of Community With Waste..................................................................20
8.3 Challenges..............................................................................................................20
8.4 Recommendations..................................................................................................21
9. Community Concern and Involvement in Waste Management...............................21
10. Discussion..............................................................................................................21
11. Research & Research Gaps in Waste Management...............................................22
11.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................22
11.2 Research Gaps......................................................................................................23
11.3 Recent Developments in Waste Management .....................................................23
11.4 Waste Management Policies................................................................................24
11.5 Recommendations................................................................................................24
12. Way Forward .........................................................................................................25
12.1 Networking and Awareness Raising....................................................................25
12.2 Lobbying and Advocacy......................................................................................26
12.3 Regulatory Framework ........................................................................................26
12.4 Technology, Cleaner Production and Recycling .................................................26
Annexes........................................................................................................................27
List of Tables and Figures
Fig 1 Annual variations in the number of cases for selected sanitation diseases in
Epworth..........................................................................................................................4
Table 1 Current Fleet Disposition................................................................................11
Fig 2: General Composition Of Urban Waste ( 1995-98)............................................22
Fig 3: Solid Wastes Collection Trends in Harare ........................................................23
iii

1.0 Executive Summary
Waste Management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing local
authorities throughout Zimbabwe. The volume of waste being generated continue to
increase at a faster rate than the ability of the municipal authorities to improve on the
financial and technical resources needed to parallel this growth. Waste management
services have increasingly become inadequate, as evidenced by the rise in illegal
dumping and the proliferation of the now seemingly permanent piles of rubbish in
some commercial, industrial and residential areas of the urban areas. It is on this
background that Practical Acton organised a stakeholders’ workshop to deliberate on
the possible practical solutions to the waste management challenges bedevilling the
local authorities. The workshop was held at Jameson Hotel, Harare on the 10 th of
February 2006.
The inefficient and inadequate waste management systems obtaining in urban centres
throughout the country are largely due to a number of factors among them rapid
urbanization, inadequate funding of waste management services, frequent breakdown
of refuse collection vehicles and more importantly an unstable macro-economic
environment that is characterized by hyperinflation, critical shortage of foreign
currency for purchasing refuse vehicles and spare parts, lack of skilled staff and the
crippling fuel crisis. The local government sector has also been seriously affected by
the withdrawal of donor support as from 1998 owing to political differences between
the central government and donor countries. Prior to the withdrawal of external aid,
the local authorities tended to over-rely on external technical, material and financial
assistance through such programmes as Urban I and II, the Local Government Capital
Development Programme and Deregulation Programme and the Rural District
Councils Capacity Building Programme.
Local authorities now have to rely on revenue generated from levying ratepayers to
finance capital procurement, institutional development and meet overheads. Lessons
learnt point to the need to reduce the over reliance on donor support. Government has
had to intervene by way of availing additional finances through the Public Sector
Investment Programme (PSIP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Local Authorities
Reorientation Programme Fund, the new Infrastructure Development Bank (IDB) and
the Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group (ZABG). In 2005 and 2006, Local Authorities
were availed a total of $286 billion and $1,1 trillion, respectively for water and
sewerage projects alone under the auspices of PSIP. However Government is
concerned with the budget performance of most local authorities. Whereas
Government prescribes a ratio of between 28-32% of total recurrent expenditure for
salaries, the majority of councils have extended to overshoot this threshold by a wide
margin. And government would want local authorities to improve in this regard.
Government has in turn demanded turnaround strategies from urban local authorities.
However participants expressed concern at the non-involvement of stakeholders in the
drafting of the turnaround strategy for the city of Harare and urged the local
authorities to engage stakeholders in their decision-making processes.
Local authorities are also being encouraged to get into partnerships for service
delivery with the private sector. The partnerships should also have a component of
technology transfer to ensure sustainability in the event that the partner withdraws
from the agreement. Local authorities were also called upon to be innovative and
1

creative in the way they management waste. There is need to explore alternative
options of managing waste. They were urged to engage the community in waste
management and also to initiate and support waste recycling programmes. In a bid to
improve on waste management, the City of Harare reported that it is now moving
towards integrated waste management and will consider recycling, waste to energy
conversion and composting as alternative ways to manage waste generated in the city.
The city officials also raised concern at the late approval of budgets by the parent
ministry, which has resulted in most local authorities charging uneconomical tariffs
thereby affecting service provision. The official called upon central government to
timorously approve budgets so that they are in sync with the economic situation
prevailing in the country. The city officials are sourcing outside funding to finance
capital equipment as the city’s waste management fleet and other associated
equipment are heavily depleted. Ideally the city requires a fleet of 60 waste collection
vehicles but is currently operating with only 13 vehicles. Participants called on the
local authorities not to concentrate on refusing collection and disposal only but to
seek other options for managing the waste. They pointed out the need for a national
waste management policy and the accompanying strategy and action plans.
Although the legislative framework for managing waste is in place, concern was
raised at the non-enforcement of the legislation. There appears to be an apparent
reluctance by government departments and or agencies to prosecute local authorities
that violate the provisions of legislation. Concern was also raised at the slow
implementation of the Environmental Management Act. Although legislation provides
for environmental entitlements, these rights are not enshrined in the constitution of
Zimbabwe and are thus difficult to enforce. Moreover the intended beneficiaries of
the entitlements are not aware of these rights thus the call by participants to increase
environmental education and awareness. The Environmental Management Act makes
provision for waste management standards and regulations but these are not yet in
place. Also current legislation emphasize on end of pipe solutions rather than on
waste minimization and prevention. Another weakness of the legislation is that fines
prescribed are low thus making effective enforcement difficult given the inflationary
environment.
Research on waste management should focus on reducing waste generation at source.
End of pipe solutions should be substituted by cleaner production systems thereby
reducing waste generation at source. Research on material substitution should be
undertaken to substitute non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials with
recyclables and biodegradable ones. Other waste management initiatives such as
environmental accounting and waste trading should also be introduced. The need for
demonstration projects to promote clean and competitive environmental management
accounting for business, to account for the cost related to wasted raw materials, was
pointed out.
Participants resolved to interact further and improve on their networking with the
broad aim of finding practical solutions to the waste management challenges. Four
thematic areas namely, Networking and Awareness Raising, Regulatory Framework,
Advocacy and, Technology, Cleaner Production and Recycling were selected for
further stakeholder engagement to come up with practical solutions.
2

2.0 Opening Remarks
Mr Douglas Kativu, Programme Coordinator, Environment Africa - Workshop
Facilitator
Participants were asked to introduce themselves and highlight their work and
experience in the waste management field. Below are some of the expectations of the
participants:
Identifying research areas in waste management
Sharing experiences and ideas
Learn more about waste management
Use of waste for income generating projects and energy generation
Identifying possible solutions and a comprehensive way forward to the current
waste management problems
The role of Geographical Information Systems and Remote sensing in waste
management
Expectations of stakeholders from a local authority point of view
How best to report on waste management and disseminate relevant information on
the subject
Understand the impacts of waste management
After the introductions, the workshop facilitator gave some opening remarks with
regards to waste management. The following were his opening remarks.
The quality of waste management obtaining in any city depends on the resources
allocated to carrying the task and on the efficiency of their use. The resources
required for an efficient waste management system include human, financial and
technical resources as well as time. However the point to which the situation is left to
degenerate is not just a matter of technical and financial aspects. Putting the blame on
the economic situation is an easy scapegoat as it simply implies that the situation
cannot be improved unless there is an economic recovery.
The tolerable limit to which the situation can be left to degenerate depends on the way
society views the situation. The seriousness of the problem will be indicated by the
collective efforts of all stakeholders to overcome the challenges. It is my hope that our
deliberations today will enable us to move from the current closed waste management
systems to integrated waste management systems characterized by waste material
recovery, reuse and recycling as well as the participation of all stakeholders in the
sector, particularly the community and the private sector.
3.0 Purpose of the Workshop
Mr Tinashe Nhete, Programme Manager, Practical Action
3.1 Background Information
Waste management is one of the most pressing challenges confronting urban local
authorities throughout Zimbabwe. Currently, more than 2.5 million tonnes of
household and industrial wastes are produced per annum in urban areas and this
3

continues to rise due to unprecedented urban growth rates and absence of waste
minimization strategies (Practical Action, 2005).
Throughout the country, urban waste collection rates have dropped from at least 80%
(mid 1990s) of the waste generated to as low as 30% in some large cities and small
towns. Areas worst affected by erratic waste collection are low-income residential
areas such as Mbare in Harare and informal settlements such as Jacha in Epworth,
which receive no formal waste collection service at all. At least 70% of the collected
waste is crudely tipped at open dumpsites 90% of which do not meet basic
environmental standards (Tevera et al., 2003)
The low waste collection levels and rudimentary disposal methods employed are a
cause for grave concern because they trigger widespread illegal open dumping and
rampant waste burning, which threaten public health and pollute the environment.
Common Diarrhoea
Dysentry
Clinical Malaria
ARI
Scabies
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
year
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
mean annual no. of cases
Fig 1 Annual variations in the number of cases for selected sanitation diseases in
Epworth
Increases in recorded cases of sanitation related diseases such as diarrhea and
dysentery are caused by waste mismanagement. Both diseases are closely linked to
poor waste disposal. For all diseases analyzed, there were gradual increases in the
frequency of occurrence between 1999 and 2001 followed by steady decreases in
2002. However, since 2003, sharp increases were recorded and this is very worrisome.
3.2 Causes
The deterioration in the performance of the waste management systems is due to
several factors which include rapid urbanization, inadequate funding of waste
management services, frequent breakdown of refuse collection vehicles and more
importantly an unstable macro-economic environment that is characterized by
hyperinflation, critical shortage of foreign currency for purchasing refuse vehicles and
4

spare parts, lack of skilled staff and the crippling fuel crisis. Huge volumes of waste
are being produced at a rate that is faster than the capacity of local authorities to
manage. There is now a mismatch between the waste generation rate and the ability to
manage the waste. The general lack of management capacities on the part of the local
authorities also explains the deterioration of the systems.
Largely due to the above constraints, waste management systems in the country are
inefficient, economically unsustainable and socially undesirable. Local authorities
may not be aware of the quantities of domestic and industrial wastes generated. The
refuse charges are not a reflection of the quantities generated or the cost of service
provision. Lack of adequate statistical data makes it very difficult to plan and improve
quality of waste services offered. Waste collection has virtually collapsed triggering
rampant waste dumping. Chaotic solid wastes disposal puts the health of residents at
great risk. Waste dumps are a source of environmental problems such as odors and
smoke emissions. Open waste dumps are prime breeding sites for houseflies, rats and
mosquitoes and other vectors of communicable diseases such as fever, dysentery,
diarrhea, and malaria.
3.3 Solutions
The following are suggested solutions to the problem:
Engagement of all stakeholders in fora such as this one and being open and
sincere
Community participation and involvement of Community Based Organizations in
waste management
Integrated waste management systems-generation to disposal
Economic sustainability- charge cost recovery refuse fees
Eliminate illegal waste dumps-prioritize areas with high population densities
Organic waste fertilizer-urban agricultural plots
Capacity building of micro-enterprises that intend to or are already involved in
waste recovery, reuse and recycling
Exploration of technology driven interventions that may make the enterprises
more viable
3.4 Workshop Objectives
Having outlined the waste management challenges and impacts the main objective of
this workshop is to create a platform for creative and purposeful stakeholder
engagement in order to come up with practical solutions to the waste management
challenges. Focus is not on apportioning blame but on collectively exploring ways to
solve the problems. This workshop is also meant to stimulate engagement of all
stakeholders in waste management. There is need for stakeholder appreciation and
stakeholder contribution in the quest to find lasting solutions.
5

4. Service Provision: Emerging Issues in Urban Waste Management
Mr J. Chikuruwo, Ministry of Local Government, Public Works And Urban
Development, Government of Zimbabwe
4.1 Background
The past 5 years have been severely trying on Local Authorities’ management
systems, primary social services infrastructural development, municipal services
delivery, planning and organization. There has been a general deterioration of primary
social services and related infrastructure such as water and sewerage reticulation
systems, roads, street and traffic lighting and refuse removal plant and equipment.
Key services such as water treatment and supplies, sewerage treatment and safe
disposal, refuse collection, management and disposal; low-cost housing provision;
construction and maintenance of the road network and drainage systems and, the
development and maintenance of public social amenities such as public halls, sporting
facilities, municipal, gardens and even beer halls; have not been sufficiently attended
to by the majority of Local Authorities over the past few years. A major reason for
this neglect by Local Authorities and other stakeholders has been the void expectation
that somebody would takeover the capital development and institutional
transformation responsibilities and continue from where the erstwhile external
agencies left off at the turn of the century (1998-2002).
The predominance of external assistance on our development arena seems to have
induced a worrisome degree of lethargy on our institutions of development and, it
should be our collective resolve to eradicate this mentality completely so that we
become masters of our destiny. Prior to the donor flight period, our systems and
institutions, inclusive of Local Authorities, have tended to over-rely on external
technical, material and financial assistance through such programmes as Urban I and
II, the Local Government Capital Development Programme and, Deregulation
Programme; the Rural District Councils Capacity Building Programme and
CAMPFIRE.
Presently, the majority of development stakeholders have since learnt the hard way
that over-reliance on external assistance at any level and for any purpose is a tendency
that is pregnant with severe peril. Indeed, to the extent that assistance in certain
respects is significant, the omnipotent lesson that we must learn is that the assisted or,
receiver of assistance, must have a major stake of resources in such joint projects and
programmes.
4.2 Local Government System
Zimbabwe basically operates a decentralized local government system that is
principally guided by the Urban Councils Act [Cap. 29:15], the Regional, Town and
Country Planning Act [Cap. 29:12], the Provincial Councils and Administration Act
[Cap.29: 11], and the Local Authorities Election Laws Amendment Act No. 21 of
1997 (Electoral Act [Cap.2: 13]). The essence of a decentralized local government
system is to, inter alia, bring the citizenry close to decision making processes and
allow participation in the selection of office bearers, conceptualization and
6

implementation of development projects and programmes and induce that
indispensable sense of ownership in respect of financial, human and material
resources through the development of compatible policies, regulations and statutes. At
the same time, Government is mandated to make available such resources as may be
at its disposal in order to assist Local Authorities in their developmental priorities.
4.3 Waste Management Challenges
The management of refuse/garbage/trash from domestic, commercial and industrial
activities as well as sewerage disposal constitutes a traditional and critical component
of Local Authorities’ mandate. By virtue of their bulky and poisonous nature when
inappropriately handled, refuse and sewerage waste require specialized mechanical
plant and equipment, specialized technical skill and, a huge financial outlay,
particularly in modern urban environments with high population densities and
competition for land uses. Appropriate disposal techniques also have to be applied
and, in some countries, through appropriate technologies, waste is recycled for energy
and other profitable uses.
In an economy that heavily relies on agriculture, different seasons bring about
different types of waste for which the authorities should be well equipped to deal
with. By similar token, a highly industrialized economy generates toxins of its own
kind and also, to be dealt with by different modalities.
4.4 Refuse Collection, Disposal and Management
Local authorities have been experiencing serious technical and financial resource
inadequacies to meet their refuse collection and disposal mandate. This has been due
to under-performing annual budgets, the inadequacies of relevant plant and
equipment, spares and, foreign currency to procure equipment and spares from
abroad. Also lacking has been the propensity to generate new and viable ideas to meet
the challenge imposed by a harsh macroeconomic environment and, the apparent
lethargy in forging partnerships with potential investors in the refuse collection,
disposal and management business.
Some Local Authorities have previously attempted to subcontract the service to
private players but, in cases, this has failed due to the unprofitable nature of the
business, inefficiency and dishonesty on the part of some of the contractors and, late
payment of contractors by the local Authorities and other planning factors. Members
of the general public have also done themselves a lot of disservice by failing to adopt
and nurture a culture of cleanliness around streets. On the other hand, the enforcement
of anti-litter and refuse collection and management by-laws by Local Authorities has
been weak due to limited manpower levels. The absence of municipal courts
specifically charged with the responsibility of trying and meting out punishment on
municipal law offenders has been yet another hindrance on the war against garbage
disposal control in most urban areas.
In addition, the absence of arresting powers on the municipal police has severely
compromised their effectiveness in bringing to book municipal offenders as the
prevailing scenario is such that, apart from issuing tickets, they merely exercise
7

citizen’s arrest powers without necessarily dealing with offences decisively and
conclusively.
The volatile economic environment, has also induced immense difficulty in the
budgeting and planning process of Local Authorities resulting in insufficient capital
funds being devoted towards such critical areas as refuse removal, disposal and
management. Whereas Government prescribes a ratio of between 28-32% of total
recurrent expenditure for salaries, the majority of councils have extended to overshoot
this threshold by a wide margin due to the pressure exerted by employees on
respective Council budgets.
The obvious solution to tackle budgetary constraints by local authorities would be to
enhance the revenue base by exploring new and viable sources of revenue base by
exploring new and viable sources of revenue as opposed to becoming increasingly
reliant on traditional revenue sources such as supplementary rates, service charges,
fees and levies.
4.5 Sewerage disposal
Due to largely obsolete reticulation infrastructure and population pressure in most
urban areas, sewerage bursts around residential areas and, its disposal into water
sources has also been a major problem of late. The absence of forward planning and,
indeed, the proliferation of residential areas without proportional expansion of the
primary social services infrastructure are the factors that have duly contributed to the
current sewerage woes.
The withdrawal of external technical, financial and material assistance at the turn of
the century also resulted in major sewerage reticulation and the Biological Nutrient
removal plant projects being left in abeyance because the capital requirements far
outweighed the resources that wee available. However government had to intervene
by way of availing additional finances through the Public Sector Investment
Programme (PSIP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Local Authorities Reorientation
Programme funds, the new Infrastructure Development Bank (IDB) and of late, the
Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group (ZABG). For example, in 2005 and 2006, Local
Authorities were availed a total of $286 billion and $1,1 trillion, respectively for
water and sewerage projects alone under the auspices of PSIP.
Additional funds still need to be mobilized to rehabilitate most of the reticulation and
treatment infrastructure and, it is in this context that partnerships between the State,
Local authorities and the private sector have to be firmly established. The technical
competencies as well as institutional management systems at local Authorities also
have to be revamped to meet current developmental challenges and foster the spirit of
commitment, resourcefulness and competitiveness. Streamlining of the structures at
respective Councils and providing attractive conditions of service would also assist in
luring desirable competencies thereat. Transparency and accountability in the
management of available financial resources is also imperative, let alone, the support
and commitment of the communities, which, in essence, are the ultimate beneficiaries
of these initiatives.
8

4.6 Palliative Strategies
Guided by the government policy framework called Zimbabwe: Towards Sustained
Economic Growth- Macroeconomic Framework for 2005-2006, which, inter alia,
places emphasis on agricultural intensification, investment promotion, employment
creation, economic integration and improved infrastructural development, we have
since 2003, assisted Local Authorities to devise and implement strategic turnaround
programmes.
The plans also came about as a result of the Local Authorities Revitalization Policy
Strategy that Government Adopted in 2004 and, upon which the financing window by
the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, that is the Parastatals and Local Authorities
Reorientation Programme (PLARP) is essentially anchored. The monetary and fiscal
policies from the reserve bank and the Ministry of Finance, respectively, together with
the revitalization that we have instituted on Local Authorities also assist in achieving
sustainable developmental projects and programmes at local authorities.
The Revitalization of Local Authorities Strategy basically intends to address the
institutional, capital and technical inadequacies that have since become rampant at
Councils. The Strategy also entices Government to sharpen its focus on the
rehabilitation of primary social services infrastructure. Government has also since
adopted a new and results guaranteed financial planning modality called Results
Based Management (RBM) where the scarce resources at the disposal of the State
Enterprises and Parastatals, inclusive of Local Authorities, have to be judiciously
applied in such a manner that tangible results have to be accordingly registered from
any amount of public resources so availed.
Robust financial accounting approaches and transparency in the management of the
given resources have to be established through material achievements as planned and
agreed at the commencement of the year between the ministry and respective Local
Authorities as given in the budgets. Effective management of resources set aside for
waste management will be closely monitored in accordance with the project
implementation plans that are presently being received from local Authorities.
In view of the paucity of resources arising from both Government and Local
Authorities through the ratepayers; partnerships with finance houses and the business
world locally, regionally and internationally would assist in the effective management
of refuse and the treatment of sewerage. The ultimate manifestation of municipal
courts would deter reckless behavior related to waste management by residents of and
ratepayers of any given Local Authority. In addition, the conferment of arresting
powers on the municipal police would also give them sufficient legal clout to
prosecute municipal offenders insofar as common litter is concerned. The
strengthening of the legislative framework and relevant legal instruments such as
local by-laws to impose sufficiently deterrent penalties on municipal offenders is also
essential.
At the community level, it would also be significant to have organized groups
working closely with Local Authorities to put in place measures that enable them to
coordinate the safe disposal and management of garbage arising from residential
areas. Improvising simple technological implements such as push carts and the
9

employment of relevant personnel to cart away trash could be one initiative. Local
Authorities should also make earnest efforts to revamp their plant and equipment in
order to tackle the menace of improperly disposed waste, be it solid or liquid.
4.7 Conclusion
The ministry remains committed to assisting Local Authorities and other stakeholders
in devising and implementing such projects and programmes as may result in the
improvement of waste collection, disposal and management. More significantly
would be to design, with appropriate technologies, modalities by which the waste
generated from domestic and industrial activity could be recycled for other purposes
and to contribute towards improvement of the socio-economic well being of the
citizenry.
Also significant is the idea of creating investment portfolios at Councils, which would
be responsible for strategizing on income generation ventures as provided at Section
221 of the Urban Councils Act [Cap. 29:15]. A focused and competently manned
investment portfolio at Council has the potential of specializing on projects and
programmes that would expand the revenue base of Council while at the same time,
concentrating on luring investment into the council’s area of jurisdiction.
In this respect, the initiatives at Harare City Council, to manifest strategic business
units that focus on key service delivery aspects such as waste management and
sewerage works, is worth the support of all stakeholders.
5. Current Challenges in Waste Management in Harare
Mr E. Muza, Amenities Manager, Waste Management Department, City of Harare
5.1 Historical Background
Responsibility for waste management has changed hands from one department to
another within the City of Harare. Before 1996, the Department of Works was
responsible for waste management in the city. This responsibility was transferred to
the City Health Department in after 1996. It was during this period that the local
authority contracted out 56% of refuse collection to some private companies with the
local authority retaining responsibility for the remaining 44%. After the adoption of
the local authority’s strategic turnaround plan in 2004, a stand alone waste
management entity was established. Currently the city council is at an advanced stage
of unbundling service units.
5.2 Challenges
The local authority is facing a number of challenges in fulfilling its mandate of
service delivery. The city now has to cope with a population of 3 million inhabitants.
The city has also been affected by the macro economic situation prevailing in the
country and has not been able to source foreign currency to replace old plant and
equipment required for waste management. The late approval of budgets by the parent
ministry has also resulted in cash flow problems. All this has resulted in the lack of
10

financial resources to recapitalise and rehabilitate plant and equipment. Ideally the
city requires about 60 refuse collection compactor vehicles but only 13 are operational
(Table 1).
Table 1 Current Fleet Disposition
Operational Broken Down Ideal
Compactor Trucks 13 10 60
Skip Trucks 1 1 6
Tipper Truck 0 1 6
Tractors 3 4 20
Front End Loaders 0 1 2
Dozer 0 1 1
Landfill Compactors 0 1 1
The situation has been worsened by fuel shortages. Private refuse contractors have
also withdrawn their services citing the harsh macro economic environment. The city
council also requires an incinerator for the disposal of Medical and Hazardous Waste.
5.3 Effect of the Prevailing Problems
The main effect of the depressing situation as outlined above has been the
erratic/irregular collection of refuse within the city. This has resulted in the
indiscriminate/illegal dumping of waste by residents and the subsequent aesthetic
intrusions. The non-collection of refuse has also resulted in an outcry by the
ratepayers who are demanding for improved service provision.
5.4 Efforts to Address the Situation
Despite the challenges in service provision, the city council is hard pressed to operate
within the dictates of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27). The city
council has embarked on a turn around strategy, which seeks among other things, to
improve on service delivery and efficiency. The council will also begin charging cost
effective and economic tariffs for services rendered. The council is also seeking
outside funding to recapitalise its fleet, plant and equipment and has received a
favourable response from the Government of the Republic of Iran. The authorities are
also exploring integrated waste management systems, which will include waste
recycling and waste conversion through strategic partnerships with corporate world.
6. Discussion
It was pointed out that refuse collection and disposal does not constitute waste
management and there is need for local authorities to consider the other components
of waste management such as reduction at source, recycling, material and nutrient
recovery. Participants impressed on the need for local authorities to adopt alternative
strategies such as the integrated waste management system in, which recycling plays a
major role, as opposed to the current closed loop system. Emphasis should be on
waste reduction at source so as to reduce the volumes that have to be collected,
11

transported and then disposed of. Concern was raised that the solutions proffered by
the city council, of technical investments, were so as to maintain the current ways of
managing waste, which give much attention to refuse collection and there is need to
consider other options of managing the waste.
A call was made for the country to develop a national waste management policy that
will be complete with a vision, mission, strategy and action plans. The strategy should
be based on creativity and should be results driven. It was noted that some of the
current waste management challenges are due to lack of creativity by the responsible
authorities. Stakeholders also raised concern at their non-involvement in the crafting
of the city’s turnaround strategy. They pointed out that the city council should have
consulted widely during the development of the turnaround strategy. In response to
the concern, it was pointed out that the consultation process may not have been
thorough given the seriousness of the problem and it was more of crisis management
that did not allow for sufficient time to undertake broad consultative processes. The
participants were informed that the local authority was now holding public
consultation meetings every week with various interest groups being invited to the
town house to discuss issues of concern with the council officials. It was generally
agreed that the local authorities should engage stakeholders in decision-making
processes and in finding solutions to the current challenges the city is facing.
Participants also called for improved relations between the parent ministry and local
authorities. Local authorities have accused the parent ministry of hampering service
delivery by its delay to approve budgets and its interference in the setting of tariffs for
service provision. Tariffs set by the local authority are not economical and do not
cover for the cost of service provision. The participants also called for the parent
ministry and local authorities to stop concentrating on their differences and work
together in solving the environmental challenges. Concern was also expressed over
the tendency by central government that provides the legislation to devolve
responsibility to Local Authorities without the accompanying resources needed. It
was also pointed out that the ministry should improve on its supervision of local
authorities and not wait for disasters such as the recent cholera outbreak to happen
before it takes action on the latter. Participants also called for greater transparency and
accountability on the part of the responsible authorities particularly in the tendering
processes so as to limit the occurrence of corrupt activities. Participants were
informed that government is not involved in the tendering processes by local
authorities and there is a set threshold beyond which a council has to go for tender.
Local authorities were urged to engage and encourage communities to take up
recycling projects for income generation and subsistence. There is need to support
small to medium enterprises that process recyclable waste and waste to energy
conversions. There is need for public education and awareness campaigns. Local
authorities can also cascade responsibilities to communities and other stakeholders.
12

7. Policy and Legislative Environment Governing Waste Management In
Zimbabwe
F. R. Magadzire and C. Maseva, Ecologists, Environmental Management Agency
7.1 Introduction
Waste management is one of the most pressing environmental problems facing local
authorities in Zimbabwe. Legislation and policies, and in some cases, by-laws, for
waste management, do exist in Zimbabwe, but the waste management problems
continue to grow.
7.2 Laws Governing Waste Management
Although laws for managing waste are in existence, these laws are largely
fragmented. The following laws have a direct bearing on the management of waste in
the country:
Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27)
Urban Councils Act (CAP 29:15)
Rural District Councils Act (CAP 29:13)
Regional Town and Country Planning Act (CAP 29:12)
Water Act (CAP 20:22)
Public Health Act (CAP 15:09)
Municipal By-laws
A number of policies have also been drafted to improve the management of waste.
The following policies govern waste management in the country:
Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (1994)
National Sustainable Development Strategy (2004)
Draft Waste Management Strategy (2006)
Science and Technology Policy (2002)
Draft National Environmental Policy (2003)
7.3 Environmental Management Act
The Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) is the Principal Act for addressing
environmental issues in the country. The Act (Section 4) recognises environmental
entitlements for every Zimbabwean. The Act states that every person shall have the
right:
to a clean environment that is not harmful to health
to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations and
to participate in measures that prevent pollution and environmental
degradation
According to the Act, any person who causes pollution or environmental degradation
shall meet the cost of remedying such pollution or environmental degradation.
However these rights are not enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution and thus are
13

not readily enforceable. The Act also established an Environmental Management
Agency that will be overally responsible for environmental management in the
country.
7.3.1 Waste Management-Related Functions of the Environmental Management
Agency
Section 10 of the Environmental Management Act outlines the functions of the
Environmental Management Agency as:
1a- To formulate quality standards on air, water, soil, noise, vibration, radiation and
waste management
1b- To assist and participate in any matter pertaining to the management of the
environment, and in particular, to
(ii) Regulate and monitor the collection, disposal, treatment and recycling of waste
(viii) Make model by-laws to establish measures for the management of the
environment within the jurisdiction of local authorities
(xii) Undertake any works deemed necessary or desirable for the protection /
management of the environment
(xiii) Serve written orders on any persons requiring them to undertake measures to
protect the environment
(xiv) Carry out periodic environmental audits of projects
Section 36 of the Act outlines the monitoring functions of the Director General,
Inspector and other Officers. The Director General, Inspectors and other officers shall
exercise their functions to ensure that waste is re-used and recycled where possible
and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner.
7.3.2 Standards for Waste
The Environmental Management Act also makes provision for the establishment of
various technical committees one of which will be a Standards and Enforcement
Committee. The Standards and Enforcement Committee shall recommend to the
Environment Management Board:
standards for waste, their classification and analyses, and advise on standards
of disposal methods and means for such waste
measures for the handling, storage, transportation, segregation and destruction
of any waste.
Section 70 deals with the prohibition against discharge of waste as follows:
1- No person shall discharge or dispose of any waste in a manner that causes
environmental pollution or ill health to any person.
14

2- Any person who transports waste or operates a waste disposal site must obtain a
licence from the Environment Management Board for him to transport the waste or
operate the disposal site.
3- Any person whose activities generate waste shall employ measures essential to
minimise the waste through treatment, reclamation and recycling.
5- Any person who contravenes any part of Section 69 or 70 shall be guilty of an
offence and shall be liable to imprisonment for a period of not more than five years,
or a fine not exceeding five million dollars, or both such imprisonment and fine.
Although Section 70 (3) encourages sustainable waste management practices, it
mentions some and leaves out others such as reusing, reducing and composting, such
that one may be inclined to believe that the methods mentioned are the only ones that
should be employed. It also does not mention the need to separate waste at source,
which serves two basic functions of reducing the amount of waste that goes to the
landfills and creating opportunities for income generation through the sale of
recoverable materials.
7.3.3 Hazardous Waste
Under Section 72 the Standards and Enforcement Committee shall recommend to the
Board standard criteria for the classification of hazardous waste with regard to
determining:
Hazardous waste
Corrosive waste
Flammable waste
Toxic waste
Radioactive waste
Any other category of waste the Board may consider necessary
The Board shall issue guidelines on the making of regulations for the management of
each category of hazardous waste. Regulations will be for the control of exports and
imports, and the distribution, storage, transportation and handling of chemicals and
materials.
7.3.4 Prohibition Against Littering
Section 83 of the Act refers to the prohibition against littering and states that:
1. No person shall discard, dump or leave any litter on any place, other than in a
container provided for that purpose or at a place especially designated for that purpose
2- Any owner of a transport or conveyance shall ensure that no litter is thrown from
his conveyance.
3- Every person in control of or responsible for the maintenance of any place shall at
all times ensure that containers or places are provided which will be adequate and
suitable for the discarding of litter.
15

4- Any person who contravenes Sub-sections (1) and (2) shall (unless any by-law
within the area of jurisdiction of the local authority concerned provide for the offence
in question) be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 3.
7.3.5 Local Environmental Action Planning (LEAPS) (Section 95)
Every local authority shall prepare an environmental action plan for the area under its
jurisdiction in accordance with such directions as the Minister may give. The Minister
shall prescribe the contents of the plans and the procedure for their preparation. The
LEAPs are prepared in consultation with all stakeholders, and will therefore involve
the participation of residents and other stakeholders in determining how waste
management problems can be solved.
7.3.6 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Section 97–108)
The EIA process identifies potential negative effects of a development project, and
offers mitigation measures. Projects, which need to undergo EIA in relation to waste
management, include landfill facilities, incineration, composting and
recovery/recycling plants, treatment and storage facilities for toxic and hazardous
waste. These are prescribed activities and will require at least a prospectus before
implementation.
7.3.7 Drawbacks in the Enforcement of the Act
The following are some of the drawbacks of the ct with regards to waste management:
Some sustainable waste management practices are not mentioned
Emphasis is on the end-of-pipe solutions rather than on waste minimisation /
prevention
Fines are given in monetary terms, which can make effective enforcement
difficult, depending on the inflationary environment
Delays in the setting up of the Environmental Management Agency
7.4 Urban Councils Act (CAP 29:15)
Section 218 (b) of the Urban Councils Act makes provision for a council to charge for
the removal of refuse where this service has been provided. Section 227 makes
provisions for matters for which council may make by-laws viz:
refuse removal,
the specification of the type and positioning of containers for storing waste
before collection
Section 235 makes provisions for the drafting of regulations for the proper
administration of rubbish removal services and the prohibition of accumulation of
waste.
16

7.5 Rural District Councils Act (CAP 29:13)
The Act is similar to the Urban Councils Act in relation to waste management with
the only difference being that this regulates activities undertaken by Rural District
Councils. The weaknesses of the two Acts are due to the fact that the Acts:
Do not mention anything about sustainable waste management practices such
as the 3Rs
Do not mention what the Councils will do with the waste they collect
Do not mention that the money charged for refuse removal should channelled
back to refuse removal
In addition, some local authorities do not have by-laws that are stipulated in the two
Acts.
7.6 Water Act (Cap 20:24)
Section 68(1) of the Water Act prohibits the discharge of any matter into any surface
or groundwater either directly or indirectly so as to cause pollution of the water. All
illegal dumps and most formal dumpsites are in contravention of the Water Act.
7.7 Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (CAP 29:12)
The Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (CAP 29:12) is surprisingly silent on
the issue of waste management. One would have expected it to mention about the
planning of waste disposal sites.
7.8 Public Health Act (CAP 15:09)
Section 68 of this Act addresses the issue of waste from livestock and ensures that it is
taken care of. The Act prohibits causation of nuisances on land which one occupies,
owns, or of which he is in charge (section 82), and defines a nuisance as being,
“any accumulation or deposit of refuse, offal, manure…”
However the Act does not prohibit causation of nuisances on land over which one has
no control. Also penalties are given in monetary terms and are very low.
7.9 Policies Governing Waste Management
7.9.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (1994)
The Environmental Impact Assessment Policy has now been enshrined in the
Environmental Management Act. Development projects undergo a process in which
both their positive and negative impacts are evaluated to enable appropriate mitigation
measures to be put in place. EIA Policy comes with a comprehensive set of guidelines
on how to conduct EIA studies in different sectors. Volume 8 (Urban Infrastructure)
and Volume 10 (Waste management) both deal with issues that need to be considered
in setting up infrastructure for dealing with waste management
17

7.9.2 National Sustainable Development Strategy (2004)
This policy is the Government of Zimbabwe’s official response to the Johannesburg
Plan of Implementation. It consists of a national action programme containing actions
to be taken under each of the 3 pillars of sustainable development. It notes poor waste
management as being a key urban environmental problem and recommends the
adoption of cleaner production technologies for minimizing industrial waste. It
highlights the need to promote safe disposal of wastes and chemicals by providing
support in constructing and rehabilitating waste disposal systems.
7.9.3 Draft Waste Management Strategy (2006)
The draft waste management strategy aims to aims to “improve the cleanliness and
restore the glamour of Zimbabwe by promoting sustainable waste management
practices in all areas in Zimbabwe.” The strategy identifies all problems that make the
Zimbabwean environment appear dirty and unsightly, which include littering, illegal
dumping, improper dumping / disposal of waste, vending, sewage problems, air
pollution, overgrown vegetation on roadsides, and presence of homeless people and
street kids. The strategy proposes an action plan (involving all stakeholders) for
solving these problems including assigning responsibilities and a time frame for
implementation of activities.
7.9.4 Science and Technology Policy (2002)
The Policy acknowledges that pollution of the country’s environment is increasing
and requires urgent action. The policy singles out industrial waste as having an
adverse effect on the environment. It encourages the adoption of cleaner production
technologies as an answer to some of the problems associated with industrial waste.
7.9.5 Draft National Environmental Policy (2003)
The draft National Environmental Policy emphasises that a clean and healthy
environment is the right of every Zimbabwean. It recognises that while economic
development is necessary, it can bring about adverse environmental problems of
waste and pollution if not carefully planned. It calls for the development of an
integrated waste management strategy to address the growing problem of waste.
7.9.6 Problems with the Policies
The following are some of the shortcomings of the policies outlined above:
Do not come up with practical steps of achieving the desired goal
There are no resources for funding activities needed to implement the policies
There are no programmes for raising public awareness on the existence of these
policies
There is no obligation on the part of local authorities to make use of the policy
provisions
18

7.10 By-Laws for Waste Management
Not all local authorities have the by-laws. The cities of Harare and Mutare have whilst
Chitungwiza, Bindura, Epworth, Chipinge among others do not have. Where by-laws
exist, the public are not aware of them. More so the by-laws are not being enforced
and this is contributing to the waste management problems in Harare.
7.11 Conclusion
Collectively, the laws, policies and by-laws are comprehensive in addressing issues of
waste management. If provisions were adhered to, waste management would cease to
be a problem. In spite of the existence of these pieces of legislation, waste
management remains a major problem, implying that the provisions are not being
enforced. There seems to be no difference in waste management efficiency between
local authorities with by-laws, and those without by-laws and this begs the question
“Do the by-laws matter”
7.12 Recommendations
The following are suggested recommendations:
MET and other stakeholders should come up with a Waste Management Policy in
which the need to promote cleaner production is clearly expressed. This policy
should be comprehensive, practical and implementable.
MLGPWUD should ensure that all local authorities have waste management bylaws
in place as provided for in the Urban Councils Act and Rural District
Councils Act, and ensure that provisions of the by-laws are implementable,
otherwise there will be no need to waste resources formulating by-laws
There is need to ensure that both the public and local authority staff are aware of
the provisions of the laws, policies and by-laws governing waste management,
otherwise waste management will continue to be a nightmare
MET / EMA should speedily draft regulations on sustainable waste management
practices as provided for in the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27)
There is need to mobilise resources for financing entrepreneurship based on waste
recovery, reuse, recycling and composting – Waste should be viewed as wealth
There is need for periodic multistakeholder participation in legislation review
8. Working with Communities in Waste Management
Mr Selestino Chari, Environmental Rights Coordinator, Environment Africa
8.1 Introduction
Population growth and the high rate of urbanization coupled with growing
consumerism have resulted in increased waste generation. The increase in waste
generation is being experienced at a time when the resources for waste management
continue to dwindle. Wastes are sources of diseases such as cholera dysentery.
Burning of waste causes air pollution. Uncollected waste causes aesthetic intrusion.
19

8.2 Interaction of Community With Waste
The community interact with particularly solid waste at almost each and every
component of the closed loop waste management system that is at the generation,
storage, transportation, recycling and disposal components.
At the generation and storage stages there is need for the community to:
Reduce generation of waste
Reuse some of the waste
Separate waste at source
Environment Africa’s interventions at these stages have included waste separation in
Mabvuku/ Tafara. Distribution of flyers, campaigns, educational workshops and the
provision of receptacles. Communities can also be involved in the pre collection of
waste and the collection of recyclables. Given the erratic collection services there is
need for the authorities to communicate the collection days at least 24 hours in
advance so as to avoid the indiscriminate dumping of waste when people miss the
collection days.
Environment Africa has also assisted a community based environmental action group
from Mabvuku and Tafara venture into a hand made paper-recycling project. The
organization has assisted the group with start up funds for procurement of equipment
such as collection cages, bins and push carts. Through its urban agriculture
component the organization has been encouraging urban farmers in Mabvuku and
Tafara to use in situ composting and backyard composts for nutritional gardens. The
organization has also been implementing recycling projects with other community
groups in Bindura, Mutare, Avondale and Dzivarasekwa. These groups have been
trained in various aspects of integrated waste management as well as in project
management and lobbying and advocacy.
The organization has also been lobbying National Waste Collections to improve on
the prices it pays waste collectors for recyclable paper. Lobbying has also been
extended to the city of Harare to allow those who have their own resources to dispose
waste at the official dumpsite free of charge. Residents from Monavale have been
mobilizing their own resources and organizing transport to collect waste from the
suburb for disposal at the city dumpsite. Other interventions Environment Africa has
been involved in include civic pressure and litigation cases against local authorities in
Mutare and Harare in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Environment Law
Association.
8.3 Challenges
Through its interventions and in working with communities in waste management,
Environment Africa has identified the following challenges:
Lack of community awareness of environmental rights as provided in legislation
Lack of access to information on environmental information
Poverty thus waste management not a priority
Lack of adequate resources to expand and initiate new projects
Negative attitude by communities
Non enforcement of laws
20

8.4 Recommendations
There is need to encourage recycling projects for income generation. There is also
need to involve the community in decision making. Awareness raising should
continue in a bid to change negative attitudes. There is need for a complete rethinking
of “waste” to analyze if waste is indeed waste. A rethinking that calls for:
Waste to become wealth
Refuse to become a resource
Trash to become Cash.
9. Community Concern and Involvement in Waste Management
Mr C Rongoti, CNM Environmental Action Group, Epworth
The community based environmental action group is undertaking a refuse collection
and recycling project in Epworth. The group was formed in response to the waste
management problems in the informal settlement.
The group collects refuse from the neighbourhood and separates the waste; recovering
recyclables for sale. The group uses pushcarts to collect the waste. The recovered
waste material is sold to recycling companies.
The initiative sponsored by Practical Action has received support from the Epworth
Local Board thereby allowing for the smooth running of the project. The group called
local authorities and recycling companies to engage the community and support such
community based recycling initiatives as part of their waste management efforts.
10. Discussion
Although the legislative framework for managing waste, as outlined in the
presentation by the Environmental Management Agency is in place, concern was
raised at the non-enforcement of the different Acts. There appears to be an apparent
reluctance by government departments and or agencies to prosecute local authorities
that violate the provisions of legislation. Concern was also raised at the slow
implementation of the Environmental Management Act, especially given that the new
Act repealed some Acts, which were in force before its enactment. Participants were
informed that until such a time that the provisions of the Environmental Management
Act are enforceable, reference can still be made to the old Acts. Regulations and
standards as provided for in the Environmental Management Act are yet to be
developed and as such regulations and standards from the old Acts are still applicable.
Participants were also informed that the delay in the implementation of the
Environmental Management Act is due to the bureaucratic process involved in setting
up the relevant institutions provided for under the Act. Implementation was now
expected to quicken as the Environmental Management Board was now in place and
the Director General of the Environmental Management Agency was appointed.
Legislation on its own will however not solve the waste management problems as
there is need for accompanying national strategies and action plans.
21

Locals authorities were called upon to support community based waste management
initiatives than use by-laws to suppress such initiatives. However the need to reduce
the impact of waste on health should be taken into consideration and those involved in
such projects should take note of this. Care should be taken to dispose remnants of the
separated waste that are of no economic value to the groups in a proper way.
Awareness raising and pubic education to mitigate negative attitudes and perceptions
on waste management should also target schools. There is also need to set up
collection and recycling centers throughout the city and starting small enterprises to
process waste. More efforts should be channeled towards reducing waste at source.
However there is need to improve on the prices paid by recycling companies to waste
collectors. As long as the prices remained low and depressed, the incentive to recycle
waste will be removed. There was also a call for stakeholders to network and add
value to projects being undertaken by partners rather than repeating the same efforts
all over again.
11. Research & Research Gaps in Waste Management
M. Chidavaenzi and G. Kwenda, Cleaner Production Centre, ERSI-SIRDC
11.1 Introduction
All production processes invariably produce waste. Today standards are tightening;
treatment & disposal costs are increasing. Industry is under pressure to find ways of
avoiding waste production altogether. In Zimbabwe, urban areas continue to grow
faster than the provision and expansion of infrastructure and services. Most local
authorities have severe financial constraints and are unable to provide for effective
waste disposal. Fig 2 below show the changes in waste management for 3 urban areas
of Zimbabwe.
40
35
% of total weight
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Harare
Bulawayo
Chegutu
paper
/cardboard
glass/ceram
metal
plastics
leather
/rubber
wood
textiles
vegetables
miscellaneous
Fig 2: General Composition Of Urban Waste ( 1995-98)
In the last 45 years the density of waste generated has decreased by 50% (from 460 to
230kg/m 3) ; volume increased two-fold; paper content increased two-fold and plastic
content has increased three-fold. The trend is projected to continue rising. Whilst
22

waste generation is on the increase, levels of collection are deteriorating (Fig 3).
Service providers face crippling shortages of fuel and foreign currency as well as
rising operation costs. Sub-contracting refuse collection to the private sector has not
helped. This has resulted in illegal dumping of waste. Levels of recycling and reuse
in the urban areas are now very low.
tonnes /day
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1995 2002
Time
Generated
Collected
Uncollected
Fig 3: Solid Wastes Collection Trends in Harare
11.2 Research Gaps
There are research gaps with regard to:-
Sorting and separation at source
Nationwide item-specific waste recovery, reuse & recycling schemes and
programs
Full cooperate & statutory backing & partnerships.
Strategies to prevent/ avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle wastes
Research should also focus on environmental cost accounting as a waste reduction
strategy. The potential for recycling by waste type is another possible area of research
and ways to recycle a larger proportion of the waste should be sought. There is also
need to assess the contribution of waste recycling to low-income urban households as
well as to poverty reduction. Research on the viability of waste management as a
business in relation to other business ventures should be also be analyzed. There is
need to access new manufacturing techniques and technologies that increase resource
use efficiency. Research should also look at material substitution with alternative
degradable materials. Innovative ways to profit from waste should also be sought.
Research should also come up with appropriate sites for waste treatment and disposal.
11.3 Recent Developments in Waste Management
Recent developments in waste management include trading in waste. Trading in waste
is a strategy for reducing the waste load finding its way into the environment It also
promotes waste as a valuable asset. The practice has also resulted in the establishment
of producer-user partnerships (waste networks). Economic benefits have accrued to
industries and communities trading in waste.
23

Solid waste can also be converted into energy or compost for nutrient recovery.
Examples of waste conversion projects include biogas plants and waste treatment for
methane projects and waste incineration for heat energy. The challenge is to find a
market for the products of the conversion.
Another development has been the formation of waste minimization clubs or clusters.
These are voluntary stakeholder networks established to promote best available
practices in waste management. These networks require technical backstopping (from
NGOs, Consultants, technical committees etc).
11.4 Waste Management Policies
There is need for research to feed into the development and promotion of an
Integrated Waste Management Policy premised on the waste management hierarchy
in order to reduce the volume and strength of waste before treatment and disposal.
The policy should be applicable at all levels (national, provincial, district, municipal
and enterprise, household etc). The stages in the waste management hierarchy, in
order of preferred waste management strategy are as indicated below:
1. Cleaner production
Waste prevention, Waste Minimization
2. Recycling:
Recovery, Re-use, Composting
3. Treatment:
Physical, Chemical, Thermal
4. Disposal:
Incineration, Landfill
There is need to promote voluntary practical actions in SMEs such as Good
Housekeeping Practices that demonstrate simple low-cost practices characterized by
improved productivity (cost savings), optimal use of raw materials including water
and energy, re-use and re-cycling of primary inputs and less packaging. Good
housekeeping practices have the added benefit of improving safety within the work
environment.
11.5 Recommendations
The following are suggested recommendations for the way forward:
Take steps to eliminate waste production
Create and support sector-focused technological upgrading
Demonstration projects to promote clean and competitive environmental
management accounting for businesses (to account for the costs related to wasted
raw materials)
Tapping into available technical assistance and services
24

12. Way Forward
Participants were generally agreed that local authorities should create and open space
for other waste management options/models. Primarily there is need to reduce waste
generation at source. This can be achieved by adopting integrated waste management
systems. Integrated waste management systems reduce the volume of waste that has
to be collected, transported and disposed of. Components of the system such as
source reduction, composting, material recovery and recycling reduce waste
quantities. Local authorities should create an enabling environment for formalised
waste collection and recycling. There is need for local authorities and Non-
Governmental Organisations to engage the community in waste management by
establishing and supporting community based recycling and composting projects.
Community waste management models can include pre-collection by neighbourhood
teams to a central transfer station using non-motorised equipment. Local authorities
will then offer secondary collection from the transfer station to a disposal site using
vehicles. Waste to energy conversion projects such as biogas plants, methane
recovery plants and incineration plants for generation of heat energy should be
established to utilise the waste being generated. Industries should be encouraged to
implement cleaner production techniques as a way of reducing waste generation at
source. There is also need to identify new suitable sites for the establishment of
engineered landfill sites. These interventions should be supported by strict
enforcement of legislation and environmental education and awareness raising. There
is greater need for stakeholders to come up with a national waste management
strategy and guidelines, which will be adopted and implemented by all the local
authorities in the country.
There is need to create a platform for further stakeholder engagement and congruence
of purpose. The meeting agreed that there is need for further interaction, cooperation
and networking among all stakeholders, with the aim of finding participatory and
practical long lasting solutions to the current waste management challenges. The
participants agreed to form smaller working groups based on four thematic areas. The
thematic groups will meet to identify solutions based around their respective theme.
Below are the thematic areas that were agreed upon and some of the areas for further
work under each thematic area.
12.1 Networking and Awareness Raising
Platform for periodic stakeholder engagement and exchange
Coordination of civic group interventions for value addition purposes
Public Private Partnerships in waste management
Public awareness/education campaigns focusing on legislation, waste hazards,
waste minimisation, material recovery, composting and recycling
Source reduction and waste separation at source
Engaging the media for increased coverage on waste management
25

12.2 Lobbying and Advocacy
Inclusion of environmental rights in the Constitution of Zimbabwe
Increased autonomy of local authorities to set cost effective-economic tariffs and
reduced political interference
Increased allocation of resources to local authorities by Government
Timorous approval of local authority budgets
Transparency and accountability in the management of resources
Improved prices paid to waste collectors by recycling companies
Tax incentives or other economic incentives for cleaner production in industry
12.3 Regulatory Framework
Waste management by-laws for local authorities
Stricter enforcement of legislation
Harmonisation of fragmented legislation and regulatory institutions
Increased supervision of local authorities by parent ministry
Stiffer and deterrent penalties for offenders
Setting up of municipal courts and conferment of arresting powers to municipal
police
Development of national waste management strategy and guidelines
12.4 Technology, Cleaner Production and Recycling
Establishment of community based waste management models such as precollection,
composting and recycling projects
Capacity building and technical backstopping to community based recycling
projects
Set up collection and recycling centres in the residential, commercial and
industrial areas
Entrepreneurship in waste recycling for Small to Medium Enterprises or
Community Based Organisations
Material substitution and packaging using recyclable material
Identification of sites for engineered landfills
Waste to energy conversion projects such as biogas plants
26

Annexes
List of Participants
NAME ORG/GROUP POSITION
HELD
TEL/FAX/ CELL ADDRESS E-mail address
Kamoyo Vimbai Harare Post. Chief Reporter 251750/4 Cnr 3 rd / Selous vimbai@yahoo.co.uk
Emmanuel Muza City of Harare Ammenities 752637 Box 596
Manager
Taru Phillip Bindura University Lecturer 091900093 7328 Budiriro 4, philliptaru@yahoo.com
Harare
Kuvarega Alex T. Bindura University Lecturer 091812746 1358 Budiriro 1, atkuvarega@yahoo.com
Harare
Madzamatira Enock Housing People Business 091419026 264 Chiremba enock@housingpeople.org.zw
Zimbabwe
Development
Road, Hatfield,
Manager
Harare
Never Munjere UZ – Geography Researcher 303211 ext 1265 2528 Glen Norah A, nemiy@yahoo.co.uk
Department
Harare
Nyamayaro Munyaradzi New Ziana Reporter 251754 19 Selous Ave newsroom@ziana.co.zw
Ndumiso Mgutshini CCZ Com Officers 700500/707065 89 Pax House ndumisomahlaks@yahoo.com
Chikuruwo Jacob Min of Local Govt A/Dep Sec 707645 Makombe Complex,
H. Chitepo
Catherine Katiyo
Two by Two Waste Secretary
Collectors
Otto Billy
Two by Two Waste Chairman 091 764 165 1182B Makomo
Collectors
Epworth
Naoh Sigauke Practical Action Social Scientist 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Newlands, Harare
Govera D.A
Chitungwiza
Chitungwiza 091 921 058
Municipality
Director of
jacob_chiruruwo@yahoo.com
billy_otto2006@yahoo.com
noahs@practicalaction.org.zw
27

Housing
Gwimbi Patrick Zimbabwe Open Lecturer 795990/2 Z.O.U Geo pgwimbi@hotmail.com
University
Department, Box
MP1119, Mt.
Pleasant
Tambala Mpande Ruwa Local Board Waste Water 073-2637 Ruwa Local Board,
Technician
Box 153, Ruwa
Josiah Mucharavana New Ziana Reporter 251754 19 Selous Avenue jmucharovana@yahoo.com
Thasisio Manyemba New Ziana Features 251754 19 Selous Avenue thasisomanyemba@yahoo.com
Reporter
Chandi Makuyana Practical Action BDA 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road, chandirekeram@practicalaction.org.zw
Newlands, Harare
Kwenda George SIRDC-ERSI Research 860330-3, 860350 P.O Box 6640, gkwenda@sirdc.ac.zw
Scientist (fax) 091935936 Harare
kwendag@yahoo.com
Mujuru Anthony Ruwa Local Board Engineer 011616412 P.O 153, Ruwa mbenga@comone.co.zw
Ronald Muwirimi Polywaste Production 091328215/771357 Corner Lyton &
Head
Paisley
Mahesh Bhagat Polywaste Manager 011203552 Corner Lyton & m_bhagat@polywaste.cozw
Paisley
Simon Bere Terin Environment Technical 011779891/736319 P.O A1537, simonbere@yahoo.com
Group
Director
Avondale
Maseva Chrispen Environmental Principal 705661/71 793122, Box CY385, chrismaseva@yahoo.co.uk
Management
Agency
Ecologist 011873034
Causeway
Douglas Kativu Environment Africa Program 492145/152/143 76 Queen Elizabeth, eafrica.waste@utande.co.zw
Cordinator
Greendale
Tendai Mahachi Practical Action Consultant 011769010 4 Ludlow Road, chandirekeram@practicalaction.org.zw
Newlands, Harare
Tapiwa Makoni Newnet Driver HG444 Highlands,
Harare
Neveson Mpofu
Zimpapers – Manica
Post
Reporter 753777 - 011206793 Box 196, Harare n.mpofu@zimpapers.co.zw
28

Alexio Mubaiwa Practical Action Tech Advisor 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Newlands, Harare
T. Karonga The Daily Mirror Reporter 023250167 Charter House, 70
Samora Machel
N. Namanya The Voice Photographer 730450/790483 ZANU PF HQ 7 th
Newspaper
Floor
D. Zambuko Newsnet Report 498620/17 Box HG444, Harare
George Masimba Dialogue on Shelter Community
Programme
Co-ordinator
011607736/790936 13 Harvey Brown,
Milton Park
Sheliah Magara Zimbabwe Homeless Co-ordinator 011707230 13 Harvey Brown,
Milton Park
Thomas Stenstrom ILO/ASIST Tech Advisor 369824-8 ILO P.O Box 210,
Harare
Cagewell Muzangaza Epworth Local Board Building
Inspector
Mataga Theresa Min. of Youth Curriculum
Development
Officer
091395476 P.O Box EP180,
Epworth
091252786 Mukwati Building
Dondo Mike Stanslous Practical Action Tech Advisor 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Newlands, Harare
Deidra Botha Practical Action P.A 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Newlands, Harare
Tinashe Nhete Practical Action PTL 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Newlands, Harare
Magadaire Dengwa Min. of Youth Admin Officer 011786630 ZANU PF HQ
Sam Chaikosa Civic Forum on Co-ordinator 023803836 Highlands
Housing
Cephas Munjeri Practical Action WPM 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Newlands, Harare
Gondai Matanga Practical Action Energy Project 776631-3 4 Ludlow Road,
Engineer
Newlands, Harare
alexiom@practicalaction.org.zw
cnamanya@yahoo.com
george@dialogueshelter.co.zw
stenstrom@ilosamat.org.zw
Fax 577983
stanslousd@practicalaction.org.zw
deidrab@practicalaction.org.zw
tinashen@practicalaction.org.zw
cephasm@practicalaction.org.zw
gondaim@practicalaction.org.zw
29

Sifiso Mpofu Newsnet Reporter 498620 Pockets Hill sipisomus@yahoo.com
Mashoko Newsnet Cameraperson 498620 Pockets Hill
Morris Chidavaenzi SIRDC –ERSI - Director NCPC 860321-33
Box 6640, Harare mchidavaenzi@sirdc.ae.zw
NCPC
011 632395
mtchidavaenzi@hotmail.com
Magadzire Farirai R. Environment Africa Principal 705661-3
Box CY385, zpn143@mweb.co.zw
Ecologist Fax - 793123
Causeway, Harare
Kwenda George SIRDC –ERSI Research
Scientist
860330-3
091935936
P.O Box 6640
Harare
gwenda@sirdc.ac.zw
kwendag@yahoo.com
Myshia Tayengwa CNM Environment Finance
1957 Chinamano
Group
Manager
Ext
Cosmas Rongoti CNM Environment Director 023297299 P.O Box EP31, c-rongoti@yahoo.com
Group
Epworth
Selestino Chiri Environment Africa Advocacy 442145/091375006 Box A639, Avondale eafrica.rights@untande.co.zw
Coordinator
Da vera Cruz Thomas International Labour Technical (04) 369805-12 P. O Box 210, cruz@ilo.org
Organisation Advisor 091 292812
Harare
S. Tondori Dialogue on Shelter National Coordinator
023241951 (04) 13 Harvey Brown,
790935
Milton park
Josiah Dimbo Zimbabwe Media Co-ordinator 011761678 chiefgutu@yahoo.com
Agency
Jailos Nomobe Environment Africa Researcher 091952420 76 Greendale
Onward Murove
Onborough
Information 011 792 374 44 Stratford Rd,
Development
Borrowdale, Harare
Crecentia Gandidzanwa Bindura University Lecturer 091366538 1349 Mukute Rd,
Houghton Park,
Hararee
Mercy Mudzingwa Chinhoyi University Lecturer 023818364 1790 Clara Rd, New
Malborough
omurove@yahoo.com
pamigandi@yahoo.com
needmoremercymudzingwa@yahoo.co.uk
30