AN EVALUATION OF ZOOMLION GHANA’S PARTICIPATION IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ABLEKUMA CENTRAL SUB- METROPOLITAN AREA

ABSTRACT Solid waste management (SWM) is becoming a major issue in most cities as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth. The provision of this public service had formally been the sole responsibility of central government. However, with theory of participation and decentralisation, the municipal authority has to seek new arrangements with the private sector. The purpose of the study was to evaluate Zoomlion Ghana‟s participation in solid waste management in Ablekuma Central sub-Metropolitan area. Qualitative research was used. The research design used was evaluative case study.The target group for this study was made up of residents, officials of Ablekuma Central sub- Metropolitan area, officials and fieldworkers of Zoomlion Ghana. A total of 91 respondents were used for the study. This included some key informants of the Waste Management Department of Ablekuma Central sub- Metropolitan area; officers of Zoomlion Ghana. Two (2) officials were selected from the Waste Management Department of Ablekuma Central sub- Metropolitan area. Purposive and cluster sampling techniques were used in the sampling of the respondents. Multiple instruments were employed for the data collection in this research study: in-depth interview, interview scheduled and focus groups discussion. The study revealed that the general waste situation in the Ablekuma Central sub- Metropolitan area has improved tremendously since the coming of Zoomlion Ghana into the area. For efficient and effective management of solid waste in Ablekuma Central sub-Metropolitan area, it was recommended that relevant information on clients‟ role should be made available, education of clients about the benefit of proper waste management, attention to client‟s complaints, enforcement of regulations on waste disposal and use of integrated solid waste management model.