Optimising spatial decision support systems in solid waste management in Mzuzu city

Abstract

In Malawi municipal waste management has become a big problem. Mzuzu is one of the cities grappling with solid waste management in the country with waste accumulating around fresh food markets, restaurants and schools. The main objective was to design and develop a spatial decision support system in solid waste management system in Mzuzu City. The study was conducted to contribute to proper solid waste management and help to create a sanitary environment in Mzuzu city by providing critical information to both the public and key decision makers and stakeholders like ministry of natural resources and climate change. This study used a mixed method and the methodology included conducting face to face interviews with Mzuzu City Council waste management officers, market chairmen and private waste collectors, a total of 9 respondents were interviewed from Mzuzu city council, Mzuzu main market, private waste collection companies and Luwinga Market to provide comprehensive and unbiased responses, purposive sampling was used since the researcher was looking for experience of participants in solid waste management. Data was collected by using an interview guide, collecting GPS coordinates of waste collection points using a handheld GPS device and tracking the waste collection vehicle using a smartphone. Data analysis was done using Data Flow Diagrams in Microsoft Visio, Leaflet Library for web maps and Wamp Server to deeply understand the existing waste management system and design a new automated waste management system. It was found that Mzuzu city council relies on a manual system which is not computerized, which makes it difficult to monitor the waste management process. The city lacked quality waste management data for decision-making and had inadequate waste collection vehicles and refuse receptacles. A computerized spatial xiv decision support system was designed, developed and deployed. The system incorporates GIS, Information and Communication Technology to solve problems faced by the city council in waste management activities such as high operation costs, delay in collecting wastes and unavailability of critical information for decision makers. The system is accessed through a web portal; it produces web maps of waste collection points, dumpsites and routes taken by waste collection vehicle through GPS tracking. A smartbin sends an alert once a bin is full and the system produces daily and weekly reports. The study recommends that market places need to be provided with enough refuse receptacles, the City Council must purchase enough vehicles and adopt a proactive vehicle maintenance approach. Waste management officers need to have enough digital skills training and more public awareness programs should be implemented, Msiro dump site needs to be upgraded into a waste management facility to accommodate incineration, composting and weight land testing. Further research needs to be conducted in residential areas to have a broad understanding of resident’s behavior and attitude towards waste management. Key Words: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, Smart bin, SDSS, GPS, Spatial.