Perception of the community on the local government failure factors on sustainable solid waste management in a developing country

Abstract

Studies on sustainable solid waste management (SSWM) have been done in developed countries and it is still a contentious issue in developing countries such as Indonesia. In Makassar City, municipal solid waste management (SWM) has become an interesting research arena as government policies could not guide waste management practice inclined towards SSWM. This study assessed the existing local government policies on SWM by identifying failure factors based on unit analysis. To achieve the research objectives, a convergent parallel mixed-method design was adopted. For quantitative data collection, random sampling of 341 households was used to answer questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants based on exhaustive results of the qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of chi square and logistic regression were used in the analysis of quantitative data. On the other hand, qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach supported by strength-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis. Data analyzed from the findings indicated that the existing effort to perform SSWM was ineffective. Furthermore, this study identified failure factors such as lack of financial and legal aspects, infrastructure, facilities, community awareness and capable government personnel. The findings also showed that government policies and household practices have significant relationship on the implementation SSWM. In addition, this study found that suitable policies and practices which the local authority must provide should include sufficient financial support and involvement of all SWM stakeholders towards the SSWM. Based on the findings, it is apparent that inadequate coordination exists among the various districts or sub-district levels and concerned local government agencies that has led to the weakening of the implementation SSWM at the household level. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the local authority revise and reformulate the policies and regulations towards the implementation of SSWM.