Solid waste management of local governments in the Western Province of Sri Lanka: An implementation analysis

Abstract

The large-scale solid waste generation has been a critical issue in the world today. The absence of a sound national policy for Solid Waste Management (SWM) has caused tremendous negative environmental consequences in Sri Lanka. Despite various programs being implemented by the Municipal Councils and other local governments with the relevant authorities in managing solid waste, most of them have not been successful. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to examine major factors affecting successful policy implementation of the SWM. Further, the study identifies problems and challenges faced in the implementation of SWM. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gather primary and secondary data. Interview and in-depth discussions were conducted with selected officers who are responsible for implementation of SWM system to identify problems and challenges at the implementation level. Among the 48 LGs in the Western Province, 50% (twenty-four) LGs were selected based on the stratified random sampling method for the quantitative analysis. Normally, in each LG, five officers are responsible for SWM. There are 10 officers in the Colombo Municipal Council who are responsible for SWM. Thus, the total population is 245. Thus, the sample is 125. The sample was consisting of Administrative Heads, Public Health Officer and related officers of each Local Government. A field survey was carried out with a structured questionnaire based on the literature review focusing on the variables of the study. The questionnaire was administered by a Research Assistant.The study found that the remuneration and other facilities of the staff, their commitment, the motivation and the support from the political leadership, the contribution of the society and the business community are significantly affecting the successful implementation of the SWM program. The SWM has not been successful at its implementation stage due to some administrative problems such as insufficient land for final dumping, composting and recycling, lack of necessary vehicles and an integrated SWM programme, lack of necessary instruments and modern technology, poor regulatory framework, lower labor productivity and quantity, lack of awareness of residents and inappropriate political interference. Finally, the study proposes policy recommendations for addressing those administrative problems and challenges towards efficient and effective solid waste management in the local governments in Sri Lanka.