Understanding the relationship between the formal and informal sectors in solid waste management [A case of Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana)]

The management of solid waste has proven to be a challenge and of a major concern to authorities in most cities in developing countries. The frequent breakdown of vehicles and equipments, lack of maintenance and a weak implementation of policies were noted as part of the reasons for the persistent challenge in managing solid waste. Many studies have addressed stakeholders' participation in solid waste management but not much studies have been focused on the relations between the infomal and the formal solid waste sector. This study aimed to understand the relationship between the formal and informal sectors within the solid waste management domain and how this relationship influences solid waste management practices. The study was carried out in the Sekondi - Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in the Western Region of Ghana. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed in describing the findings of this study and the methods used in the collection of data included interviews, field observations and literature review. The targeted population for purposes of this study included relevant stakeholders at National, Municipal and Community levels which included a total of four public organisations, two private companies, twenty seven (27) randomly selected households and a cross section of the informal sector within the Metropolis. The relationship assessment tools of Extent, Coherence, Flexibility and Intensity were used to analyse existing relationship between the formal and informal solid waste sector in the Sekondi - Takoradi Metropolis. These assessment tools do not function or cannot be used in isolation; they work as a unit and their influence complement each other. The findings from this study showed that the Assembly was not able to provide waste management services for the Metropolis therefore it contracted all of its services to private contractors. The Assembly was divided into zones and each zone had a contractor assigned to it for the provision of waste management services. The existing policies forbids unauthorised persons from rendering waste management services in the Metropolis hence private contractors (formal sector) had full monopoly of service provision within their assigned zones. Yet both the formal and informal waste sector were observed to co-exist amicably and worked side by side with very rare reports of conflicts between the two sectors. There was a low level of intensity which meant policies were not enforced and this gave rise to a high level of extent, coherence and flexibility among the sectors. Conclusions drawn from this study suggest that understanding the relationship among key stakeholders within the solid waste domain gives an insight into the "how" and "why" current management options and challenges exist and the measures taken to address these challenges. Also, it was noted that the challenges with solid waste management were still an issue within the Metropolis although both sectors were providing waste management services to the public. Additionally, this research deduced that the existing relationship between the two sectors is an outcome of the current waste management practices rather than it being the cause of these practices. Finally this research concludes that the existing relationship between the two sectors in the Sekondi - Takoradi Metropolis is not a guarantee that the same relationship will exist among similar stakeholders in other places given the fact that local conditions and levels of competitions may vary. Recommendations provided include a conscious and constant effort to educate the public on the issues of solid waste management and the detrimental effects it could have on the environment and health. This will bring the public up- to- date with the challenges and efforts of the sector and also make the public know that they have a responsibility when it comes to solid waste management. Also included in the recommendations was the integrating of the informal sector in a more conducive environment that will allow the informal sector to carry out their daily activities as private entities but in a regulated setting. For example an association for informal waste actors which can be under the supervision of the Assembly