Improving refuse collection in district assemblies through private contracts: a case of Ahafo Ano South District Assembly

Abstract

The study seeks to find out how refuse management in the AASDA can improve through outsourcing to private companies. The researcher will reveal the current solid waste management practices of households in the study area so that the inappropriate practices adopted by the households could be corrected and mitigation measures would be undertaken in order to avoid a possible outbreak of disease and other related health concerns. This study, by its nature was a descriptive research technique. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used to find out how waste management in the AASDA can improve through outsourcing to private companies using both structured and semi-structured interviews, questionnaires as well as informal discussions. The study concludes that, the district is already involved in the outsourcing of waste management to a private company. It went on to reveal that refuse collection and waste management is well handled when outsourced to a private agency than being run by the district assembly or the government. Outsourcing of waste management could be sustained when the district Assembly perform their financial obligations and when the private agents do an efficient and effective work in waste management. Although other options as alternatives to outsourcing could be considered in the long run, outsourcing is the best option for the time being. From the study it is recommended that the district assembly in charge of waste management should continually have an educating system for people in the districts about the importance and necessity of effective waste management.