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Exploring Barriers to the Effective Implementation of Integrated Waste Management Plans in Developing Economies: Lessons Learned from South African Municipalities

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  • Phathutshedzo Mukwevho

    (Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Prince Radzuma

    (Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Claudine Roos

    (Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

Abstract

Solid waste management poses a significant challenge globally, especially in developing economies, where increasing waste generation and ineffective management measures are common. Municipalities, responsible for managing waste, often struggle to provide efficient services. To address this, local governments implement policy tools like the Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs), which aim to improve waste management. Despite the existence of such policies, waste pollution continues to rise in countries like South Africa. The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers to the effective implementation of IWMPs, focusing on the Makhado Local Municipality (MLM) in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, interviews, document reviews, and observations were conducted with stakeholders, targeting 23 participants, of which 15 contributed. Our findings highlight several key barriers, including lack of monitoring, political interference, corruption, insufficient budgeting, poor infrastructure maintenance, lack of skilled personnel, and inadequate community education. These challenges hinder the successful implementation of IWMPs in the MLM. Our study further identified several opportunities at the MLM and general strengths and threats using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Phathutshedzo Mukwevho & Prince Radzuma & Claudine Roos, 2024. "Exploring Barriers to the Effective Implementation of Integrated Waste Management Plans in Developing Economies: Lessons Learned from South African Municipalities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9643-:d:1514571
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Nkosinathi Mlambo & Mashupye H. Maserumule, 2024. "Constitutional and Legislative Frameworks for the Local Sphere of Government in South Africa: Analytical and Interpretive Perspective," Insight on Africa, , vol. 16(2), pages 211-229, July.
    2. Jacoba M. M. Viljoen & Catherina J. Schenck & Liza Volschenk & Phillip F. Blaauw & Lizette Grobler, 2021. "Household Waste Management Practices and Challenges in a Rural Remote Town in the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-24, May.
    3. Danielle Resnick, 2014. "Urban Governance and Service Delivery in African Cities: The Role of Politics and Policies," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 32(s1), pages 3-17, July.
    4. Nzalalemba Serge Kubanza & Mulala Danny Simatele, 2020. "Sustainable solid waste management in developing countries: a study of institutional strengthening for solid waste management in Johannesburg, South Africa," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 63(2), pages 175-188, January.
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