Impact of Solid Waste Management on Environment and Community Safety in Khartoum locality-Sudan

Abstract

Solid Waste Management (SWM) represents one of the most critical environmental and public health challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions. In Khartoum Locality, Sudan the exponential growth in waste generation, fueled by population increase and urban sprawl, has overwhelmed existing waste management systems. This study investigates the status of SWM in Khartoum Locality, Sudan, revealing significant challenges. Data from interviews, secondary sources, and a questionnaire survey highlight a system plagued by inefficiencies. Waste collection methods involve various container sizes for different areas (markets, squares, residential complexes) and scheduled household collection. However, the system is hampered by inadequate container provision (80% of respondents reported a lack of containers). Survey results indicate that most respondents (93%) use plastic bags for waste disposal, and a majority (62%) lack designated collection points in their areas. This contributes to widespread waste accumulation (observed by 80% of respondents), attributed to both insufficient waste workers (16%), lack of citizens’ interest in proper disposal (11%) and both reasons combined (73%). Furthermore, public awareness campaigns on hygiene are severely lacking (95% reported no awareness sessions). Waste collection truck frequency varies, with some areas seeing collections only once a week (35.5%) or not at all (32.5%). A near-unanimous majority (96%) believes the entire SWM process requires assessment and improvement, emphasizing community involvement. The study also found that waste accumulation negatively impacts community health, aesthetics, and psychological well-being. The research concludes that Khartoum Locality's SWM system is deficient, negatively impacting both community safety and the environment.