The health effects of Chunga Dumpsite on surrounding communities in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Background: Dumpsites in low and middle income countries (LMICs) are commonly used for solid waste disposal as opposed to landfills. However, these are naturally unsanitary hence provide ideal conditions for breeding of disease transmitting agents and become predisposing factors for spread of diseases and infections to surrounding communities. This study aimed at determining the Health Effects of Chunga Dumpsite on surrounding communities in Lusaka, Zambia. Design and Methods: This was a mixed method design and employed a cross sectional approach and case study conducted concurrently. Communities were stratified by distance into Stratum One (within 250 meters radius) and Two (above 250 to 500 meters). Quantitative data were collected from total 200 households thus 100 households from each stratum by using self-administered questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected from Two Key informants from the Local Authority and 15 participants using semi-structured interview guide. Both data were collected from December 22nd, 2018 to February 18th, 2019. Results: Results revealed that smoke and various gasses emitted from burning and decomposing waste compromised quality of air in surrounding communities. Communities were infested with flies, mosquitoes and vermin. Consequently, (73.5%) complained of persistent coughing, (65.1%) suffered from malaria, (72.6%) complained of persistent headaches and (62.2%) had frequent diarrhoea cases in stratum one. Respiratory problems were more pronounced at night possibly due to high humidity which hindered pollutants to easily escape. However, these cases reduced drastically in stratum two. Conclusions: Unsanitary dumpsites in LMICs including Zambia are commonly used as solid waste disposal facilities as opposed to sanitary landfills and become predisposing factors for spread of diseases. Short proximities to dumpsites by unplanned human settlements cause serious environmental challenges leading to public health risks to surrounding communities. Key Words: Chunga Dumpsite, Health Effects, Waste Management, Lusaka.

From waste to resource: demystifying the policy challenges and identifying opportunities for a circular economy in Zambia

“…The dumpsites were highlighted as causing environmental (e.g., pollution) and social impacts (e.g., hazardous working conditions) (P4, P10, P14). This reinforces existing concerns, such as Chibwe et al (2021) who found that communities in the vicinity of the Chunga site suffer high incidences of illness (e.g., malaria, respiratory disease, diarrhea).…”

“…There are a handful of peer-reviewed studies covering municipal waste management issues. For example, studies have sought to understand the ecological and public health externalities caused by inadequate waste regimes (Chibwe et al, 2021;Muleya et al, 2021). While, in terms of social research, Chileshe and Moonga (2019) critically discuss the political factors behind lagging progress of the "Keep Zambia Green, Clean, and Healthy Campaign. "…”

The Health Effects of Chunga Dumpsite on Surrounding Communities in Lusaka, Zambia Research Article Wilson Chib

“…Further, these people were mainly self-employed with a monthly income of less than US$150. Majority of them had attained primary and secondary education and this is in line with the government's policy on Universal Free Primary Education Policy which envisioned to curb illiteracy, inaccessibility, unaffordability, inequality and high dropout rates in school [19,20]. Hence, it is assumed that this population group is literate enough to respond positively to health education campaigns on prevention of disease outbreaks and respecting the international guidelines on safe distance to the dumpsite [21].…”

Lecturers and student teachers with hearing impairments’ own perceptions on academic performance: a case study of Kitwe College of Education - Zambia

“…For instance, a study Magongwa (2008) at the University of Witwatersrand revealed high levels of academic competiveness among the deaf and hard of hearing students, whereas a study conducted by Nonde(2013) on academic performance of learners with hearing impairments from Solwezi and Munali secondary schools in Zambia indicated that 63% of the learners' academic performance was below 40% pass mark. Similarly, a study by Chibwe (2013) indicated negative academic performance for learners with hearing impairments, whereas a study by Chibuye (2013) reported that learners with hearing impairments were unable to achieve high scores in reading and writing.…”