Revista de investigación clínica

Assessment of Environmental and Health Impacts of Management in Urban Kitwe

Abstract

Kelvis Mukuka

Thousands of tons of waste are generated daily in Africa. Most of it ends up in open dumps and wetlands, containing surface and ground water posing major health and environmental hazards. Generation rates for waste ranges approximately from 0.5 kilograms per day per person to 0.8 kilograms per day per person. Kitwe being the second largest city in Zambia generates large amounts of waste, this poses challenges in the management of the generated waste. The greatest challenge is with the management of solid waste. The methods of management of these refuse is usually not improved thereby exposing the environment to negative impacts that may in turn affect health.