Was the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala avoidable?
Sep 3, 2024
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Ivan Bamweyana, a Ugandan Earth Observation expert, and David Mpanga, a renowned lawyer, dive into the tragic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala. They discuss the systemic failures and warnings that went unheeded, leading to devastating consequences for local residents. The conversation highlights the urgent need for technological monitoring in waste management and explores the legal ramifications of negligence. Both guests advocate for accountability and reform to prevent future disasters, shedding light on the challenges facing Kampala's governance.
The collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala underscores the critical consequences of years of mismanagement and neglect in urban waste disposal.
There is an urgent need for accountability from city authorities and improved waste management practices to prevent future disasters and address community safety.
Deep dives
Tragic Collapse and Loss of Lives
The collapse of the Chitezi landfill in Kampala resulted in the tragic loss of at least 35 lives, with reports suggesting that the number could be higher. The tragedy is linked to prolonged rainfall, but it also highlights years of neglect and mismanagement regarding waste disposal in the city. Many families have been left in despair, struggling to come to terms with the unexpected loss of their loved ones. The situation reflects broader issues related to urban waste management and the living conditions of people in close proximity to the landfill, exposing them to potential dangers.
Historical Mismanagement of the Landfill
The Chitezi landfill, which serves a city of approximately 4 million people, has faced ongoing challenges related to capacity and management. Originally designed in the 1990s, the landfill's expansion and maintenance have been inadequate, leading to vertical piling of waste without proper oversight. Experts emphasize that warnings about the landfill's risks were known but often ignored or downplayed by authorities. This negligence has now culminated in a disaster, raising questions about accountability and future waste management practices in Kampala.
Call for Accountability and Future Action
In the aftermath of the disaster, there is a pressing call for accountability from city authorities, with many questioning whether any party will take responsibility for the tragedy. Experts argue that existing laws could potentially hold officials liable for the mismanagement that led to the incident. Furthermore, discussions on improving waste management technology suggest that preventive measures, such as monitoring systems, could have averted the disaster. There's also a growing concern about the environmental impact of the landfill, emphasizing that community involvement is crucial in managing waste effectively to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The 36-acre landfill is the only landfill serving the whole of Uganda’s capital – Kampala. A city that’s home to an estimated four million people.
It collapsed after weeks of relentless rain. The city authorities have reportedly been trying to find a new site for years. Many victims were living in unsafe conditions. An investigation has been ordered into years of neglect.
Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Ugandan Earth Observation expert Ivan Bamweyana and renowned lawyer David Mpanga.
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