Wrestling with IWMP implementation: case study challenges and lessons learnt

Abstract

Integrated Waste Management Planning (IWMP) was recognised as a short-term strategy initiative for the public and private sector in the National Waste Management Strategy as far back as 1999 (DEAT, 1999). Ten years later, through the Waste Act on 1 July 2009, this has become a legal requirement National, Provincial and local government. Some municipalities saw the benefit of preparing these plans, but implementation of IWMPs at local municipality level remains a concern. This study reveals that based on a small sample of local KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, there are serious concerns with how IWMP are translated into effective changes in municipal waste management. There is also concern with regards to how municipal officials keep abreast of changing legislation. Four main factors were found to influence implementation in the municipalities sampled. Human capital mobility or staff turnover is also reported by other authors as affecting implementation. Failing to get council approval of the IWMP, or a change in the municipal councils will also negatively affect implementation. Even where the IWMP has been approved by council, if sufficient detail of projects and budgets is not carried forward into the IDP, this was also identified as a potential barrier to implementation. The paper recommends that effective implementation of IWMP be investigated nationally, and also draws attention to the potential role to be played by other government agencies and the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa, in addressing these awareness and training challenges.