Open J Public Health | Volume 2, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Household Waste Management in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Astrid Katumbo Mukemo¹, Dora Kafutshi Mukemo¹, Mamie Mujinga Kalenga¹, Patricia Lukusa Mishika², Olivier Mukuku^1*, Françoise Kaj Malonga² and Oscar Numbi Luboya^1,3

¹Department of Public Health, Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo ²Department of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo ³Department of Pediatrics, University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

^*Correspondance to: Olivier Mukuku 

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Abstract

Introduction: Household waste management is a multidimensional challenge faced by urban authorities, especially in developing countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aims to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents as well as the management of household waste in the municipality of Katuba in Lubumbashi, DRC. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. We conducted a survey with cluster survey of households in the municipality of Katuba during the period from April 1st to May 31st, 2019. Results: A total of 152 households were surveyed. The mean age of the respondents was 35.4 ± 13.2 years (range: 18 and 79) and 42.8% of them were between 20 and 30 years of age. One hundred and thirty-two (86.8%) respondents were female. The use of bins was present in 82.2% of households. Waste sorting was practiced by 11.2% of the households; waste recovery was insufficiently practiced (3.9%). Household waste was transported by rickshaws (small carts) in 94.1% of cases and waste disposal was done once a week in 73.7% of cases. Sixty-seven point one percent of the respondents were aware of the dangers due to the presence of waste. Conclusion: Sorting and disposing of household waste poses real problems in Katuba municipality. However, people are aware of the dangers associated with waste. Better involvement of city councilors in the management of household waste would be a solution.

Keywords:

Household waste; Management; Lubumbashi

Citation:

Mukemo AK, Mukemo DK, Kalenga MM, Mishika PL, Mukuku O, Malonga FK, et al. Household Waste Management in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Open J Public Health. 2020;2(1):1010..