Assessing the Effects of Illegal Dumpsites on the Environment and Human Well-Being in the Rural Areas of Limpopo, South Africa

Rural communities on a global scale face an array of challenges associated with proper management of solid waste. Poor solid waste collection services or no services in the rural areas is not a new problem and it is the reason why rural communities such as those in Limpopo engage in illegal dumping of solid waste. It is not uncommon to see or find huge piles of solid waste dumped along the roadside. This malpractice is increasingly becoming an eye sore as it an obstacle of clean environment and moreover contributes to a serious impact on wildlife and habitat. The high level of waste generation could be associated with increased levels of illegal dumpsites, in some cases increased wealth and increased population can distinctly be correlated with increasing dumping spots. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of illegal dumpsites on the environment and human health in Praktiseer in Limpopo, South Africa. To achieve this aim, the objectives were to investigate the state of solid waste management in the study area; to assess the impacts of illegal dumpsites on humans and on the environment, to identify alternative avenues pertaining to illegal dumpsites in Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. This was done through employing quantitative (Questionnaires) and observation methods of data collection. Data were analysed quantitively by using SPPS version 27.0 computer software, and it was interpreted qualitatively. Themes for this study were coded and analysed separately and presented in figures, graphs, and tables. Lack of awareness campaigns and education on illegal dumping of solid waste were findings of the study. Additional finding was that there were no effective implementation of existing policies and there was also lack of accountability within the municipality. The outcomes of this study may be useful in disserminating information to local municipality to engage communities of the study area in regular awareness campaigns and educate them on effect of illegal dumping on human wellbeing and to environment. The outcomes are also expected to help promote more efficient methods of waste management and to impact people’s perception of illegal dumpsites. The gap in knowledge for this study was identified to guide the review of the existing waste management policies and by-laws within Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local municipality. The new methods of solid waste management enshrined in policies and by-laws are the reason why rural communities are resistant to support sustainable developments through good practices of solid waste management. The sole responsibility to protect humans and the environment from negative effects remains with communities with the support of the municipalities as well as experts in solid waste management.