A study of solid integrated solid waste management in informal settlements of Dar es Salaam city

One of the most pressing concerns of urbanization, social and economic challenges for Dar es Salaam city, has been the problem of solid waste management especially in the informal settlements. Due to uncontrolled urbanization and inadequate facilities, large quantities of wastes are generated daily. Coupled with the weak institutional capacity and lack of resources in terms of both human and budgetary, the city authorities face problems related to ensuring that all the waste generated in the city are collected for disposal. The main objective of this research is to analyze the current status of wastes management and develop appropriate strategies for solid waste management by addressing lapses and challenges in the current waste management system. In order to achieve objectives three different approaches were used; literature review, filing questionnaires, observations including interviews. The research concludes that the performance of solid waste management system in informal settlements displays an array of problems which can be categorized into financial, institutional, economic and social constraints. The lessons that could be interpreted into waste management and environmental policy of Tanzania and developing countries in particular are; Environmental policy like any other public policy needs to be effectively managed and efforts to educate informal population about the consequences of environmental degradation are important and much of the problem would be solved if a nationwide awareness were instilled in the minds of informal population of developing countries.