Original Research
An evaluation of eThekwini Municipality’s regeneration programmes on littering and dumping
Submitted: 12 July 2019 | Published: 27 May 2020
About the author(s)
Nirmala Govender, School of Management, IT and Governance, Faculty of Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South AfricaPurshottama S. Reddy, School of Management, IT and Governance, Faculty of Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Abstract
Background: South African cities have been beleaguered with urban deterioration challenges, especially dumping and littering, notwithstanding the regulatory framework and the continuous clean-up programmes undertaken by municipalities. This article identifies the challenges within eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in addressing littering and dumping, and recommends improvements towards urban regeneration efforts.
Objectives: To critically evaluate compliance of legislation and efficacy of the urban regeneration programmes implemented, which addressed littering and dumping within the inner city of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
Method: This convergent mixed-method research followed a case study approach and involved the analysis of primary data obtained from a qualitative perspective, including semi-structured interviews and questionnaires; and secondary analysis of quantitative data in the form of documents and reports obtained from the municipality.
Results: The article identified that urban degeneration, specifically litter and dumping, occurred as a result of ineffective compliance of regulations and lack of enforcement; outdated service levels, lack of monitoring and evaluation of programmes; lack of education initiatives; ineffective leadership and governance; lack of involvement of citizens and businesses in clean city initiatives; and the negative behavioural patterns of citizens.
Conclusion: The key recommendations for municipalities include implementing an integrated strategic plan for urban regeneration within a proactive policy and regulatory environment; monitoring and evaluation of programmes related to urban regeneration; increased resources dedicated to waste management and enforcement; implementing enforcement and consequence management strategies; and stimulating change in the behaviour patterns of citizens, businesses as well as municipality employees.
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Crossref Citations
1. Double Whammy Wicked: Street Vendors and Littering in Mankweng Township and Paarl, South Africa—Towards People-centred Urban Governance
Catherina Schenck, Lizette Grobler, Kotie Viljoen, Derick Blaauw, Josephine Letsoalo
Urban Forum vol: 33 issue: 4 first page: 561 year: 2022
doi: 10.1007/s12132-021-09455-3