FAKO DIVISION'S SOLID WASTE LANDSCAPE: CHALLENGES, IMPACTS, AND PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE DISPOSAL

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Fako Division necessitates a re-evaluation of solid waste disposal systems. This study investigates the effects of existing waste disposal systems and facilities within Fako Division, located in the South West Region of Cameroon. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, data were gathered from secondary sources, including HYSACAM (a prominent waste management company), the Ombe Industrial Zone, and various hospitals. This secondary data was significantly augmented by primary data collected through 352 questionnaires distributed across the four key towns of Buea, Mutengene, Tiko, and Limbe. Data analysis involved conventional graphical plots and statistical techniques, employing Microsoft Excel 2016 and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 to generate statistical tables, conduct correlation analyses, and produce bar graphs. The findings indicate that the majority of waste is disposed of in open dumpsites and directly into natural water bodies such as rivers and streams, with a lesser extent being littered along roadsides, within residential areas, and in farmlands. Industrial waste streams are primarily channeled directly into the sea, while hospital waste is typically incinerated. Furthermore, a significant portion of waste in Limbe and Buea is managed through unsanitary landfills operated by HYSACAM Company. Based on these critical findings, the study advocates for the establishment of a robust framework for waste handling to effectively mitigate environmental degradation and public health risks. It further emphasizes the crucial need for public sensitization regarding the hazards associated with improper waste management and calls for enhanced community involvement and participation in the waste management process. An optimal solution for solid waste disposal is proposed to be a properly engineered landfill where waste is meticulously unloaded, spread in thin layers, compacted, and subsequently covered with inert material, ensuring environmental protection and public safety.