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Environmental And Health Implications of Waste Disposal Sites In The Lesotho Lowlands

Mamello Motaung (1), Hester Roberts (2), Pakiso Makhoahle (3)
(1) Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, South Africa,
(2) Center of Applied Food Security and Biotechnology, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, South Africa,
(3) Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, South Africa
https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v6i2.270

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Issue
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024): Continue
Submitted
September 5, 2024
Published
November 1, 2024
Keywords:
    Lesotho urban councils, Waste Disposal, Waste Burning, Dumpsites, Environment Impacts, Health Impacts, Social Impacts
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Abstract

Many Southern African countries, including Lesotho, face severe health and environmental issues attributed to waste disposal. The purpose of this study is to assessed the environmental and health impacts on residents living in proximity to disposal sites in the lowlands of Lesotho. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire and observation method. A mapping device was used, and photographs were taken to validate the findings. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (?²) were employed to analyze the data. Results indicate that in Lesotho, some landfill sites are located as close as 50 meters from residential areas, and most (60%) received hazardous mixed waste streams. Waste burning and backyard dumping were the most frequently used disposal methods by residents. Several perceived health outcomes and environmental issues were noted, with respiratory and gastrointestinal health issues being the most prevalent. There was a statistically significant association between waste burning and respiratory diseases (P < 0.010) and between backyard dumping and gastrointestinal diseases (P < 0.003). The study concludes that regulatory instruments need to be revised and enforced, requiring hazardous waste producers to take responsibility for end-of-life waste and banning the entry of such waste into disposal sites. The application of waste management strategies to initiate other preferable end-of-life waste procedures, such as recycling of WEEE and waste-to-energy technologies for organic waste in Lesotho, could improve the quality of health for residents and their environment.

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Authors

Mamello Motaung
Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5578-6237
Hester Roberts
Center of Applied Food Security and Biotechnology, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3144-4707
Pakiso Makhoahle
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6131-9419
pmakhoahle@cut.ac.za (Primary Contact)
Author Biographies

Mamello Motaung, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology

Miss Mamello Agnes Motaung, Master of Health Sciences in Environmental Health (CUT), BTech in Environmental Health (CUT), National Diploma in Environmental Health Sciences (NHTC). Miss Mamello Agnes Motaung obtained her Master of Health Sciences in Environmental Health qualification in 2021 and specialises in Waste Management. Currently pursuing PhD in Environmental Health at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Republic of South Africa (RSA). Has been a research assistant or fieldworker for various waste projects of the Waste Society – School of Public Health at the University of Western Cape for 3 years. Was appointed as a student assistant by the Department of Life Sciences at CUT in the year 2022 for the subjects, waste management and environmental management. She has presented her study at the Landfill 2019 national conference. Research interests include waste management, environmental impact assessments, health impact assessment, sustainability and public health-related research.

Hester Roberts, Center of Applied Food Security and Biotechnology, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology

Dr Hester Adriana Roberts is a Visiting Research Fellow in the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences and a Senior Lecturer /Lecturer for 21 years.  Currently supervising 8 Masters and promoter of 3 Doctoral students. Author/co-author of 12 articles in accredited journals and reviewer of international journals. Research interests include waste management, environmental impact assessments, environmental-related research, air pollution and air monitoring. Grant recipient of Waste Research, Development and Innovation Road Map, South Africa.

Pakiso Makhoahle, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology

Makhoahle, Pakiso Moses, D_HBIO (CUT), Bsc, B.Med.Sc (Hons); MmedSc, Tech (UFS) is a Professor in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences. An HPCSA registered as a medical biological scientist, who holds qualifications B.Sc, B.med.Sc (Hons), M.med.Sc (Medical Microbiology) from the University of the Free State. Obtained Doctor of Health Sciences from CUT in 2021. Joined CUT in 2009, and won 3 VC awards (two for Community Engagement and one for early career in education). Currently supervising 5 master students, in the last 3 years published 9 articles in International Journals and one book chapter (with students and colleagues). Research interest is on the waste management, toxicity, safety and biological activities of the medical plant used by traditional healers. Molecular research studies such as TB fingerprinting, and microorganisms’ resistance monitoring with 11 masters students and 3 doctorate students. He is a member of the editorial boards and a reviewer of international journals

Motaung, M., Roberts, H., & Makhoahle, P. (2024). Environmental And Health Implications of Waste Disposal Sites In The Lesotho Lowlands. Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review, 6(2), 56–69. https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v6i2.270
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