Assessing the impact of privatising the solid waste collection in the KwaDukuza Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Abstract

According to Schedule 5b, of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, waste management is an essential service to be provided by local government. Failure to deliver proper services could lead to an unhealthy and polluted environment. This study examines the effects of privatising solid waste collection in local government, focusing on the KwaDukuza municipality. The municipal waste departments are currently facing inadequate operational budgets, increases in operating costs, the rising cost of replacement capital expenses and skyrocketing exposure to environmental liability. These challenges make privatisation appear attractive. In short, the privatisation of solid waste collection is been used as an intervention for the challenges of solid waste collection management faced by local governments. The outsourcing of solid waste collection is driven by the theory privatisation is more effective and efficient at delivering services. This study employed a quantitative approach. The primary data was obtained from ward committee members and waste company employees through questionnaires. Primary data was received from 80 participants (70 ward committee members and ten from waste collection company employees). Probability random sampling was used in this study. The results of the study indicate private collection is more efficient, even though the municipality has resources to deliver; but mismanagement of these resources, as well as low morale in staff make it difficult for the municipality to perform. This study recommendes, while the municipality has the muscle to handle the collection of solid waste, privative collection is more efficient. The municipality needs to allow the private collection of waste and local government should act as the watchdog and protect the citizens who carry out waste collection, whoare almost exclusively from a disadvantaged group, from being exploited.