A critical analysis of the integrated waste management plans of local municipalities within Fezile Dabi district municipality

Abstract

The promulgation of the National Environmental Management Waste Act (59 of 2008) (NEMWA) gave rise to the first South African Act, which specifically regulates waste management. Section 11 of this Act requires that all spheres of government, including local government prepare integrated waste management plans (IWMPs). The purpose of the IWMP is to address waste management matters at every sphere of government, using one strategic document. The development of the IWMP includes a consultative process with stakeholders in terms of Section 11 7(b) and public participation in terms of the Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act. Following the development of the IWMP in line with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000, the IWMP has to be submitted to the council (in the case of local municipalities) for endorsement. The endorsement of the IWMP by its council is to ensure that the plan is integrated into the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the municipality. The significance of integration of the two plans is to ensure and secure budget for the IWMP to be implemented. A concern raised is that IWMPs are often prepared as part of adherence to legislative requirements, but the intended impact in addressing the waste services and waste management issues at the municipalities is often negligible. The aim of this research was to critically analyse the content of the IWMPs of the local municipalities within the Fezile Dabi District Municipality. The analyses focused on the content of the IWMPs, the progress made with implementing the waste management plans, and the alignment of the IWMPs goals to those of the national waste management strategy (NWMS). Data of the study was collected through utilising of the content review checklist which was developed with reference to Chapter 12 of NEMWA. Questionnaires were developed with reference to the steps to be followed when developing the IWMPs. Significant to the study was to incorporate the involvement of those within the waste management department and their knowledge on the IWMP document and its implementation. The collected data will attempt to identify constraints or limitations experienced at local municipalities, with the aim of making recommendations to address the issues currently faced by the local municipalities concerned. Data collected will be analysed through utilising of graphs and tables.