IDENTIFICATION OF OPTIMAL WASTE COLLECTION POINTS AND DUMP SITE USING GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS IN ZOMBA CITY

Urban environmental planning must include effective solid waste management, particularly in fast-growing cities like Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Zomba. In Zomba city due to a number of factors, including population growth, poor infrastructure, and the growth of residential areas into areas used for waste disposal, like the Chikumbeni dumpsite, which is now getting to capacity, Zomba is currently facing many difficulties with solid waste collection and disposal (Zomba City Council, 2023). These circumstances have resulted in an increase in the number of illegal dump sites, ineffective waste collection methods, and hazards to the environment and human health. In order to tackle these issues, this research uses network analysis methods like kernel density, buffer analysis, and service area allocation, as well as geospatial information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools, specifically Site Suitability Analysis using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify optimal locations for additional waste collection points and suitable waste disposal sites. A lot of spatial factors were taken into account in the study, such as land use, slope, geology, soil texture, proximity to rivers, and road accessibility. These factors were then weighted and prioritized using AHP according to how important they were in relation to the suitability of landfill sites. Finding regions with significant waste generating pressure and limited access to waste collection services was made easier with the use of network analysis techniques. By integrating field-based data and geographic decision-making tools, the study offers evidence-based suggestions for enhancing Zomba's solid waste management plan. By guaranteeing that everyone has access to secure, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements, including waste management systems, this activity supports Sustainable Development Goal 11, which encourages sustainable cities and communities. The results also support Malawi Vision 2063, which aims to create a foundation for clean, well-planned, and ecologically conscious urban growth.

In Zomba city due to a number of factors, including population growth, poor infrastructure, and the growth of residential areas into areas used for waste disposal, like the Chikumbeni dumpsite, which is now getting to capacity, Zomba is currently facing many difficulties with solid waste collection and disposal (Zomba City Council, 2023). These circumstances have resulted in an increase in the number of illegal dump sites, ineffective waste collection methods, and hazards to the environment and human health. In order to tackle these issues, this research uses network analysis methods like kernel density, buffer analysis, and service area allocation, as well as geospatial information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools, specifically Site Suitability Analysis using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify optimal locations for additional waste collection points and suitable waste disposal sites. By guaranteeing that everyone has access to secure, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements, including waste management systems, this activity supports Sustainable Development Goal 11, which encourages sustainable cities and communities.

Zomba city lies on the lower slopes of Zomba Mountain in the shire highlands, 60 kilometres northeast of Blantyre. The city is composed of land mass of about 16 square miles (42km2) and it has a population of 105,013 (National Statistics Office, 2018). Trade and distribution, community and social services, agriculture, and a few minor industries make up City's local economy. More than 60% of people reside in informal settlements, and 29% of people live in poverty. Numerous issues will be positively addressed with the support of municipal economic development plans, land use development, and comprehensive urban management. The city has thirteen wards in total which are Sadzi Ward, Chambo Ward, Zakazaka Ward, Mbedza Ward, Mtiya Ward, Masongola Ward, Zomba Central Ward, Chikamveka Ward (Matawale Township), Chirunga Ward, Chikamveka North Ward, Chirunga East Ward, Likangala South Ward, Likangala Central Ward, and Likangala ward in addition to the city waste dumping facility, located at 4 miles, the study was conducted on the aforementioned wards, including the dump site at 4 miles.

Traditional authority: Zomba City

District: Zomba

Coordinates: -15.3933, 35.32455