Citizen perceptions on solid waste collection services : a case of uMhlathuze Local Municipality

Abstract

South African municipalities face serious solid waste collection challenges in undertaking solid waste collection. The literature identifies several reasons for municipalities not performing optimally regarding the provision of solid waste collection services. Public service delivery protests are among the consequences of poor solid waste collection services in South Africa. This study aimed to examine citizen perceptions towards solid waste collection services at the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, a municipality with ongoing solid waste collection challenges. A crosssectional research design was used where quantitative data collected from 385 residents from the municipal were analysed using the factor analysis technique. Results showed that residents are aware of the health hazards associated with poor solid waste collection within the municipality and reported the view that solid waste management policies and strategies should be reviewed. Therefore, the study recommends possible solutions towards improved solid waste management at the uMhlathuze Local Municipality.