Regulation of waste disposal at local government level: contributing to the water-energy-food nexus

Abstract

Waste is an unavoidable by-product of daily human activities. An estimated 90% of waste created in urban areas is disposed at landfills. However, this is not the case in rural areas, where waste is uncontrolled and unregulated. The uncontrolled creation and disposal of waste creates an environmental challenge, contributing to water pollution and an increase in undesirable climate patterns. Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution) emphasises the need to protect the environment. Additionally, section 156, read with schedules 4B and 5B of the Constitution places an obligation on different spheres of government to put measures in place to protect local communities and to prevent pollution, which includes the disposal of waste. However, several factors, such as lack of infrastructure, poor financial management and selective provision of services result in the failure of local government to adequately deal with waste disposal practices in rural areas and the management thereof. This study is aimed at evaluating the extent to which the regulation of waste disposal at local government level could contribute to the water-energy-food nexus. The water-food-energy (WEF) nexus refers to the interlinked relationship between water, energy and food resources and the trade-offs that should be made in this regard. South Africa produces, for example, an estimated 1.1 million tonnes of waste from disposable nappies per annum, in addition to other forms of solid waste. This waste results in a significant strain on local governments responsible for its disposal and management, resulting in undesirable consequences for water, energy and food security in rural areas of South Africa. Proper and sustainable disposal of this waste is necessary to avoid pollution of essential resources and the environment. This requires proper infrastructure, regular service delivery, in the form of refuse collection, and adequate funding to ensure effective regulation and management of waste. Local government has a duty to provide these services in an accountable and transparent manner, through developing and adopting plans, policies and programmes and setting targets for delivering services to communities. To assess this duty, this study focused on improper waste disposal practices at local municipalities, using the waste management by-laws and integrated development plans of two local municipalities, namely the Greater Taung Local Municipality and Matatiele Local Municipality. Rural areas and land that falls under traditional authorities such as those within these two local municipalities do not receive waste removal services, resulting in improper and illegal waste disposal practices. The pollution caused by these waste disposal practices results in the degradation of soil, contamination of water sources, air pollution, and food scarcity. The study proposes the reduction and eradication of pollution in rural areas that will require the improvement of waste management practices; more funding for infrastructure development in rural areas; raising awareness in communities and stakeholder collaboration in order to achieve adequate and sustainable access to water-energy-food sectors.