DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's business capital Dar es Salaam is facing a growing problem of poor solid waste management, according to a report released on Sunday by state-run National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Poor waste management in the commercial capital with a population of more than 5 million was caused by limited sorting at source and improper storage, collection, transportation, treatment and final disposal, said the report.
The report released in the capital Dodoma said solid waste generation has been steadily increasing in Dar es Salaam from less than 2,000 tons per day in 1998 to more than 4,600 tons per day in 2017.
"The waste management problem is more pronounced in squatter settlements, where many people reside without the necessary infrastructure and waste collection service," said the report.
According to the report, improper solid waste management led to air pollution, surface and groundwater contamination and public health challenges.
The report said lack of enforcement of environmental laws, regulations as well as unwillingness of the urban dwellers to pay for the waste management services were the key challenges to waste management in Dar es Salaam.
The report said that it was imperative to move toward a green economy in the solid waste sector by prioritizing waste avoidance, minimization and promoting the "Three Rs" of reduce, re-use and recycle. Enditem
