ANALYZING PUBLIC PERCEPTION REGARDING THE INVOLVEMENT OF PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Waste management is a complex issue in developing countries, from mega-cities to small towns and villages, and has been on the priority list of successive governments, local authorities, and international donors in recent years (Xin, 2019). This issue creates one of the most critical health and environmental concerns confronting many administrators (Shima, 2021). In many constitutions, it is the responsibility of the local government to provide infrastructure; including power and water supplies, public transportation, telecommunications, security, and waste management facilities. Pacione (2021) alludes to the fact that the provision of waste management services in any large city is an expensive undertaking that makes huge demands on the finances of local governments. Apart from making investments in capital equipment, money is also required for the day to day operational cost of the service in the procurement of fuel, spare parts and working gear (Boateng et al., 2017). 

Cameroon is ranked in the 144th position out of a total of 177 countries and it is one of a group of 20 countries for which the Human Development Index (HDI) worsened between 1990 and 2006 (Essien, 2019). Cameroon only achieved one of the seven goals on target: access to improved safe water (Parrot et al., 2019). The nation is considered a lower middle-income country with a gross national income per capita of US$1,320 in 2015, compared to an average of US$1,628 for all sub-Saharan African countries (Barush, 2019). The minimum wage is approximately FCFA 36 000/month or $72 (National Institute of Statistics, 2018) with 37.5% of the population living below the national poverty line, and 27% below the international poverty line of US$1.90 per day (World Bank, 2017). Most of the population have limited access to sanitation services, especially the poorest who live in areas with little infrastructure. Concerning the disposal of solid waste, the government covers 85% of the financial costs for the management of solid wastes for the major cities (most of them serving as regional headquarters) from the state budget and the Councils cover the remaining 15% (Ymele, 2017). This policy further deepens the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas. It is common for both residents and Council authorities in towns to dump waste of all sorts into roadsides, vacant lots, marshlands and water courses. This practice is associated with unsustainable and unplanned urban development and can give rise to air pollution, water pollution, poor sanitation and housing related health risks. Uncollected and illegally or improperly disposal of wastes poses serious risks to public health and the environment (Wilson et al., 2023).

Previous studies on waste management in Cameroon have focused on technical aspects such as collection, treatment, disposal practices and their environmental implications (Vermande et al., 2020) and the legislative and regulatory aspects (Manga et al., 2018); with little attention on the financing of solid waste management. Municipal solid waste management is financed from three principal sources; taxes and revenues generated by Council activities, supplementary budgets from the state and lending facilities from the Government’s Council Development Fund (FEICOM) (Manga et al. 2018). Nationally, there is very little exploitation of alternative sources of financing. 

Public and private partnerships offer interesting alternatives to MSW services, particularly in terms of innovation (Ahmed & Ali, 2017). Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Community-based organizations (CBOs) operate in the informal sector and considerably alleviate the burden of the urban poor in African cities. They also operate in areas where the official operators do not have access because of poor road conditions. In a report on livelihood, the National Institute of Statistics remarked that there is an opportunity for NGOs and CBOs to implement garbage collection and transfers to garbage bins operated by the official operator Hygiène et Salubrité du Cameroun (HYSACAM). Parrot et al. (2019) investigated some public private partnerships in urban solid waste management in the city of Yaounde, Cameroon.

According to Parrot et al. (2019), the main waste service provider to the Yaounde Urban Council, (HYSACAM), signed limited official public-partnership with some small NGOs and CBOs (TAM–TAM mobile, GIC–JEVOLEC, ERA–Cameroon and Sarkan Zoumountsi) for the pre-collection of wastes from selected, mostly upper class neighborhoods. The authors report that some of these collaborations proved to be fatal in the long term mainly as a result of lack of funding, high membership costs and mis-targeted areas. Mckay et al. (2017) identified inadequate organizational structure; poor logistical support; lack of capital and technical expertise; inhibiting government policy and regulations; as well as low levels of awareness and education at the household level as the main inhibitors of growth in this sector. Mbeng et al. (2019) in their study reported that although information and awareness campaign are important drivers to behavior change in waste management, these do not necessarily translate into an increased participation in recycling or reuse initiatives because other factors such as economic incentives can hamper participation rate (Ikott, 2019).

The involvement of private companies in solid waste management (SWM) has been promoted as a way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste collection, transportation, and disposal (Eben, 2019). Proponents of privatization argue that private companies, driven by profit motives and market competition, are more likely to invest in better equipment, technology, and systems that can enhance service delivery (Marcus et al., 2021). Furthermore, the involvement of private companies is seen as a means to alleviate the financial and operational burdens on municipal authorities, allowing them to focus on regulation, oversight, and other essential public services.

However, the transition to privatized waste management in Cameroon has not been without its challenges and controversies. Public perception plays a crucial role in the success or failure of such initiatives (Seth, 2017). In some cases, the public may view the involvement of private companies with skepticism, fearing that privatization could lead to increased costs for waste management services or reduced accountability. Concerns may also arise about the potential for profit-driven companies to prioritize cost-cutting over environmental protection and public health (Asare, 2018). Additionally, there may be apprehension about the transparency and fairness of the processes through which private companies are selected and contracted to manage waste (Sadio net al., 2019).

Understanding public perception regarding the involvement of private companies in solid waste management is essential for the successful implementation of privatization initiatives. Public support or opposition can significantly influence the effectiveness of waste management policies and the willingness of communities to participate in and comply with waste management practices. Moreover, analyzing public perception can provide valuable insights into the concerns, expectations, and priorities of residents, which can help inform policy decisions and improve the design and delivery of waste management services. This study aims to analyze public perception regarding the involvement of private companies in the management of solid waste in Cameroon

1.2 Statement of the problem

The management of solid waste in Cameroon has become progressively more difficult as a result of rapid urbanisation, population growth, and insufficient municipal resources. (Mungai & Poudel, 2019). To address these challenges, there has been an increasing inclination towards engaging private enterprises in the administration of solid waste (Khan, 2023). The purpose of this shift is to enhance the efficiency, efficacy, and durability of waste management practices by leveraging the expertise, resources, and innovation that private companies can offer. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of privatising solid waste management is heavily reliant on the public's perception and willingness to accept the involvement of the private sector.

The effectiveness and sustainability of privatised waste management systems heavily depend on public perception. If the general public views the participation of private enterprises as advantageous, resulting in enhanced services, superior environmental results, and equitable expenses, then these endeavours are likely to garner support and prosper (Pérez et al., 2018). On the other hand, if there is a widespread lack of belief, suspicion, or discontent with the involvement of private companies, these initiatives may encounter substantial opposition, which weakens their potential advantages (Kassahun & Dargie, 2022).

The perception of private sector engagement in waste management in Cameroon is influenced by multiple factors, such as apprehensions regarding the quality of service, expenses, transparency, and accountability. Privatisation is frequently associated with concerns about increased fees for waste collection services, which could potentially impose an additional financial strain on households. (Hossain & Rahman, 2021). Furthermore, there are apprehensions regarding the intentions of private enterprises, as certain individuals in the general population express concerns that profit-oriented organisations may prioritise reducing expenses at the expense of safeguarding the environment and public health (Sarkar & Sinha, 2020). The absence of transparency in the contracting and regulatory procedures intensifies these concerns, resulting in a lack of trust and doubt among the general public (Nguyen & Tuan, 2021).

Although private companies are increasingly involved in solid waste management in Cameroon, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the public's perception of these advancements and the factors that influence their attitudes. In the absence of a comprehensive comprehension of public perception, policymakers and waste management authorities may encounter difficulties in devising and executing efficient strategies that tackle public concerns and promote collaboration between private companies and the communities they serve. This study seeks to address this gap by analyzing public perception regarding the involvement of private companies in the management of solid waste in Cameroon.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically analyze public perception towards the involvement of private companies in the management of solid waste in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess public towards the need for private sector involvement in solid waste management in Cameroon

To assess public perception towards the effectiveness of private sector involvement in solid waste management in Cameroon.

To assess public perception on the extent private sector involvement has improved solid waste management in Cameroon.

To assess public perception  on the barriers hindering private sector effectiveness in solid waste management in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the need for private sector involvement in solid waste management in Cameroon?

What is the level of effectiveness of private sector involvement in solid waste management in Cameroon?

What is the extent private sector involvement has improved solid waste management in Cameroon?

What are the barriers hindering private sector effectiveness in solid waste management in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Private sector involvement have not significantly improved solid waste management in Cameroon.

Ha: Private sector involvement have significantly improved solid waste management in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is important because it focuses on crucial elements of public opinion about the participation of private companies in trash management. The study seeks to improve waste management practices in Cameroon by investigating public attitudes, concerns, and preferences. Its goal is to strengthen public trust and engagement and contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable waste management solutions.

Gaining insight into public opinion can assist policymakers and municipal authorities in making well-informed decisions regarding the involvement of private enterprises in trash management. This facilitates the development of strategies that are in line with the public's expectations and enhance the overall delivery of services (Nguyen & Tuan, 2021). The study aims to optimise the implementation of privatisation by recognising public concerns and preferences. This will ensure that privatisation effectively addresses the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management services while minimising any potential downsides.

Furthermore, gaining an understanding of public perceptions can assist in addressing scepticism and fostering trust between the community and private sector enterprises. Gaining comprehension and resolving issues pertaining to the quality of service, responsibility, and expenses can result in increased approval and contentment. The study emphasises the significance of public engagement in decision-making procedures. Facilitating community engagement in conversations around privatisation might result in increased acceptability and endorsement of private sector participation in waste management.

Moreover, the discoveries can provide guidance for the creation of more efficient rules and regulations concerning the involvement of the private sector in waste management. Analysing deficiencies in existing frameworks and resolving public apprehensions can result in enhanced regulatory measures. Comprehending how the public perceives the effectiveness of regulations can help enhance supervision and accountability systems, thereby guaranteeing that private enterprises comply with service standards and contractual responsibilities.

Moreover, comprehending public attitudes can facilitate the advancement of sustainable waste management procedures. By acknowledging and resolving concerns and integrating input from the public, privatisation initiatives can be in line with wider sustainability objectives and enhance the efficiency of trash management. Involving the public in the creation and execution of waste management plans guarantees that the solutions are both socially acceptable and sustainable, hence improving their long-term effectiveness. 

Furthermore, this study adds to the existing body of academic research on the privatisation of waste management. It offers vital insights into how the public perceives this issue and the potential impact on policy and practice.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically to critically analyze public perception regarding the involvement of private companies in the management of solid waste in Cameroon. Geographically, this study will be carried out among residents of Limbe, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on Analyzing Public Perception Regarding the Involvement of Private Companies in the Management of Solid Waste in Cameroon. Hence, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to ascertain the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical coverage, mostly centered on Cameroon. Consequently, the ability to apply the findings of this study to a broader context is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's shortcomings were predominantly attributed to financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while concurrently meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Solid waste: solid waste" means any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities.

Solid waste management: The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste.