By John Kusolo*
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leadership has successfully secured 12 acres of land in Menvu village, Busukuma sub-county, Wakiso district, to serve as an alternative dumping site. This strategic move, according to KCCA Deputy Executive Director Eng. David Luyimbazi, comes at a critical time when KCCA's access permit for the Nkumba dumping site in Katabi town council has expired.
The newly acquired land in Menvu village, owned by Kira Municipality, will provide much-needed relief for waste management in the capital city. The development is particularly significant given the closure of the Kiteezi landfill, where KCCA had been disposing of approximately 2,000 tons of waste daily. This site, which had long exceeded its capacity, became the scene of a tragic incident on August 10, 2024, when a massive garbage slide led to the loss of 35 lives, numerous animal fatalities, and significant property damage.
*The Challenges at Kiteezi Landfill*
For years, KCCA has been aware of the overcapacity at the Kiteezi landfill. However, financial constraints have hindered the authority's efforts to relocate the waste disposal operations. A 2023 site visit report by KCCA’s Public Health Directorate highlighted the urgency of addressing the landfill’s capacity issues, recommending either relocation to a new site in Dundu-Mukono or the development of an adjacent 4-acre plot acquired for expansion purposes.
Eng. Luyimbazi revealed that KCCA has been planning to close the Kiteezi landfill since 2016. However, the lack of sufficient funding, estimated at over UGX 6 billion, has paralyzed these efforts. Despite the authority's intention to move operations to Dundu, Mukono, the financial challenges have prevented the commencement of decommissioning activities at Kiteezi. “We want to leave this place to Dundu, but we need more than shs6 billion to decommission this place and open a new dumping site in Mukono, but we have no money. At the moment, we’re looking for more support from foreign friends,” Eng. Luyimbazi explained.
*The Catastrophic Collapse and the Role of Irresponsible Settlement*
The tragic collapse at Kiteezi, which claimed numerous lives, has been partially attributed to irresponsible settlement and construction of houses in the vicinity. According to Eng. Luyimbazi, these activities exerted additional pressure on the already overburdened landfill, contributing to the catastrophic failure. “Every time it rains, the place becomes weaker due to house construction around this place. But we have seen the danger already, and we are going to start evicting all the people still around this place because the other side which has not collapsed is also in a bad state,” he noted.
The collapse not only exposed the urgent need for a new dumping site but also underscored the risks associated with prolonged delays in addressing waste management challenges. The securing of the Menvu village land, therefore, represents a crucial step in averting further disasters and ensuring the safety and health of Kampala's residents.
Moving Forward: The Future of Waste Management in Kampala
While the acquisition of the Menvu village site marks a significant milestone, the challenges of waste management in Kampala are far from over. Eng. Luyimbazi has been vocal about the need for more robust financial support to fully decommission the Kiteezi landfill and establish a new, sustainable dumping site in Mukono. The KCCA is actively seeking assistance from international partners to bridge the funding gap and expedite the relocation process.
The move to secure the Menvu site is a testament to Eng. Luyimbazi's commitment to addressing the waste management crisis in Kampala. However, the success of these efforts will depend on continued support from both local and international stakeholders. As KCCA moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring that the new site is properly managed to prevent a repeat of the tragic events at Kiteezi.
The securing of the 12-acre site in Menvu village is a critical development in Kampala's waste management strategy. Led by Eng. David Luyimbazi, KCCA's efforts to find a sustainable solution to the city’s waste disposal challenges are beginning to bear fruit. However, the journey ahead remains complex and will require concerted efforts from all involved to ensure that Kampala's waste management system can meet the demands of its growing population.
Comments