Role of local Government in solid waste management: a study with special reference to Yatiyanthota pradesiya Sabha

Abstract

The large scale of solid waste generation has been a critical issue in the world today. Thus, the conservation of natural resources as well as for protecting the environment with maintaining the quality of living standard can be achieved by the service of government authorities and managing waste in proper manner. Since Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a multifaceted task that incorporates a diverse set of shareholders and operations, Local Governments (LGs) are responsible fo the proper SWM in Sri Lanka and the absence of a sound national policy in SWM has caused tremendous negative environmental consequences in contemporary society. Despite various programs being implemented by the LGs with the relevant authorities in managing solid waste and most of they have not been successful. One of the LG, namely Yatiyanthota Pradhesiya Sabha also facing these kind of improper SWM activities and because of that the Maththamagoda GS division which is authorized by it have not enjoying the facilities of SWM. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to analyses the problems and challenges faced by the Yatiyanthota LG in the implementation of proper SWM. This study is mainly based on qualitative and descriptive analysis. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the relevant study. Primary data were collected by unstructured interview with the Secretary of the Yatiyanthota Pradhesiya Sabha and one of the officer of the Pradhesiya Sabha who are responsible for implementation of SWM system and the secondary data were collected by the journals, articles, web sources and statistical data of Yatiyanthota divisional secretarial in order to analyses the problems and challenges at the implementation level. The SWM has not been successful and the authority facing numerous challenges at its implementation stage due to socio, economic and environmental conditions. They were significantly affecting the successful implementation of SWM in Maththamagoda area. Finally, the study proposes policy recommendations for mitigate the SWM issue in efficient and effective manner.