Impact of Solid Waste Management on health: A case study of the French Colony, f7/4, Islamabad

Abstract

Solid waste management has emerged as a paramount challenge for Pakistan in the present day. Problems due to ineffective waste management are faced by both major cities and rural areas. The bigger cities are prominent sufferers of this issue. Islamabad being one of the cleanest cities in Pakistan still lacks a uniform waste management system across all of its areas. The aim of this research was to find out the Impact of solid waste management practices on the health of the residents of French Colony F7/4 Islamabad. The research was conducted in the French colony by collecting 387 samples through questionnaires to find out the waste generation rate in the French colony, water sanitation, and hygiene measures, waste disposal methods, people’s awareness about health and environmental issues they are facing due to irregular waste management in their area. The data was then analyzed through binary logistics regression using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results found out that, on average, each household generates more than 5 kgs of waste per day. Residents have shown varied responses about their regular hygienic practices. They are aware of the consequences of open dumping, yet they do not have an alternative choice to dispose of their waste. Waste is generally thrown in open drainages in the colony. Moreover, people are facing significant health consequences; malaria, dengue, diarrhea, skin allergies, and cholera are common occurrences among the residents. There is no waste collection system available to the inhabitants of the French colony. Unless the French Colony’s residents do not change their open waste dumping practices, the current situation will continue on degrading the environment and deteriorating their health. The policy implications target to improve this situation by suggesting the introduction of a paid waste collection service in the colony and provision of a waste dumping alternative to the French colony inhabitants