The Solid Waste Management Practices Gaps and the Roles of Stakeholders’ Engagement in Successful Solid Waste Management in Juba City and Juba County of Central Equatoria State of South Sudan

Reliable and sustainable solid waste management is becoming a major issue for most developing countries due to increasing urbanization and population growth. A study was conducted in Juba City and Juba County of Central State, South Sudan. The objectives of study were to identify the sources, types, methods, and quantities of solid waste generated; to examine the prevalent diseases and disease vectors associated with solid waste; to assess the status of financial resources and willingness to pay for solid waste management; and to evaluate the roles of stakeholder engagement in effective waste management. The researchers collected data on solid waste generation, collection, disposal, and their impacts on the environment and human health in Juba City and Juba County. This study used a structured questionnaire administered of 600 randomly selected respondents (205 from Juba City, 375 from Juba County, and 20 key informant interviews), along with field observations. The data were analyzed using statistical methods, including descriptive statistics and softwares such as SPSS version 27, excel, and word. Researchers found that the study areas were heavily polluted because people dumped solid waste in open spaces and vacant plots. Households generated solid waste, included organic waste, plastic, and polythene bags. The Department of Environment and Sanitation, along with solid waste management companies, was responsible for overseeing waste management in the city, but the situation remains problematic. Poor waste management has decreased land value, created breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like rats, mosquitoes, and rodents, and facilitated the spread of serious diseases. Additionally, statistical analysis indicated that poor waste management practices were linked to health and environmental issues within the communities. To address these problems in Juba City and Juba County, there is a need to improve infrastructure, secure more funding, enhance governance, and increase public awareness and participation. To protect the environment and the health and well-being of residents, sustainable and long-term solutions are essential.