article · Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
Improper municipal solid waste management in Ethiopia frequently results in the reliance on open dumpsites for waste disposal. This qualitative research examined the risk perceptions and everyday experiences of residents situated close to the Aba-Semer open dumpsite in Ginchi town. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the study gathered community insights that were subsequently analysed through thematic approaches. Every participant recognised the dumpsite as a notable hazard to environmental conditions and personal well-being. Participants reported physical health issues, predominantly respiratory problems, alongside considerable emotional strain. Continued waste disposal without municipal remedies fostered feelings of anger and disappointment. The findings indicate that direct observations and daily exposure strongly shape local risk perceptions. Addressing these challenges requires local authorities to establish properly planned and designed waste disposal facilities to mitigate health and environmental burdens.
Living in proximity to unmanaged municipal dumpsites can cause severe physical and psychological strain for nearby communities. Understanding how residents experience and perceive these hazards helps municipal authorities and urban planners recognise community grievances. This insight underscores the urgent need for local governments to transition away from unregulated open dumping towards properly engineered waste infrastructure that safeguards public health.
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BACKGROUND: Due to improper municipal solid waste management, the use of open dump sites for final disposal of solid waste is common in towns and cities of Ethiopia. PURPOSE: This study explored risk perceptions and experiences of Ginchi town residents living near Aba-Semer municipal solid waste open dumpsite in Ethiopia. METHODS: Data on lived experiences were generated using a phenomenological approach. Focus group discussion was used to explore risk perception. Purposive sampling was used to select five in-depth interviewees and 12 participants in two focus group discussions among residents living near Aba-Semer open dumpsite. Amharic language tape recorded data were transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Data were analyzed using OpenCode and a thematic approach was employed. RESULTS: All the participants perceived municipal solid waste open dumpsite as a risk to the environment and health. Disappointment and anger were experienced due to lack of solutions and ongoing dumping of municipal solid waste at the open dumpsite. Residents were mainly victims of respiratory-related health problems and emotional stresses. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Risk perception was much influenced by lived experiences and observations of physical features. In return, risk perception and lived experiences had affected the level of emotional reactions from living near the open dumpsite. The municipality of the town should provide sustainable solution with provision of properly sited and designed municipal solid waste disposal site for the community in order to alleviate environment and health impacts from open dumpsite.
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DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s309295
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