An Assessment of Waste Management in Slum Communities in Freetown. It's Implications on the Health and Safety of Inhabitants

Purpose: The study objective is to assess the state of Solid Waste Management (SWM) in slum communities in Freetown, its factors and effects on the safety and wellbeing of slum dwellers together with the challenges faced by authorities in combatting inadequate SWM system in slum and to provide recommendations with regards to interventions to promote adequate waste management in slums. Materials and Methods: The study took place in three slum areas around Freetown in Sierra Leone. A total sample size of 400 respondents comprising of household heads were selected. A self-administered structured questionnaire was given to a total of 400 respondents of household heads above eighteen years old. Only 392 of the 400 respondents that were initially targeted for the study completed their questionnaires at the end of the survey. The data collected was presented in tables and statistical analytical techniques or methods such as percentages and graphs were used to analyse the data and to find out the factors, effects and challenges associated with inappropriate solid waste management services in slum areas in Freetown. Findings: According to the study, it was found that the major categories of waste generated in households were biodegradable and food (39%) while plastic remains (31%). Most households stored their wastes in polythene bags (59.1%) and sacks (20.2%) before disposal and 10.3% of the households did not have waste storage containers and kept their wastes outside the house in the open. Poor knowledge in waste segregation practices with very minimal recycling, reuse of wastes and a resultant poor waste management system were observed in slum communities. The study helps provide a much-needed data on solid waste management (SWM) in Freetown for authorities and other stakeholders as there are limited sources of data on waste management in Sierra Leone. It also provides further literature on waste management issues for further research, policy development by the authorities and recommendations for best practice by communities and stakeholders. Implications to Practice and Policy: It was recommended that waste management should be prioritized as a social service, with adequate budget lines. Engage several stakeholders in the management of waste to generate a sense of responsibility and interest from all stakeholders.