Factors Affecting Community Participation in Solid Waste Management in Lindi Municipal Council Tanzania.

The study focused on factors affecting community participation in solid waste management in Lindi Municipal Council Tanzania. The aim was to identify the determinants and motives for the household’s willingness to pay for the improvement of solid waste management services. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents to participate in this study. Data were collected using interviews, administered questionnaires, observations and documentary reviews. A total of 135 household members participated in the study from the three Wards. In first objective the results revealed that majority which is 92% of the household members were willing to pay for the solid waste management services. In assessing satisfaction on solid waste management services provided, it was revealed that about 24% of respondents only were satisfied with the services. About 70% of the respondent reported to be aware on the knowledge of public health problems associated with poor solid waste management. Further the results indicated that female were more willing to pay for 94% as compared to the males. The perception that Municipal Council has the sole responsibility for solid waste management services is still persisting with about 28% of the respondents. The second objective of the study indicated that about 59% of the respondents were not satisfied with the solid waste services provided. Furthermore, it is revealed that about 41% of respondents said there is weak enforcement of laws and regulations for solid waste management. About 88% of the respondents claimed that penalty imposed to those who breach the solid waste regulation were light. It is recommended that the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) should strengthen the enforcement of the existing laws and the regulations and increase budget allocated for solid waste management but also should educate the the community on solid waste management. Further study with similar nature should be conducted widely to make comparison for the best way of managing solid waste and a model as how solid waste management should be coordinated, developed and implemented