Global Journal of Human Social Science, H: Interdisciplinary, Volume 23 Issue 5

© 2023 Global Journals Volume XXIII Issue V Version I Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2023 ( ) H 29 Unveiling the Impact of Solid Waste Management on Health and Poverty Alleviation in Dhaka City which poor solid waste management affects health and poverty alleviation, updates concepts in light of new findings and/or new technical advancements, and answers unanswered questions. II. L iterature R eview Bangladesh's high population density and rapid urbanization contribute to increased waste generation, negatively affecting public health and poverty. The consequences extend beyond health and environment, affecting the poverty level and quality of life. According to Azom et al. (2012), uncontrolled waste management in urban areas leads to the accumulation of solid waste, which not only poses environmental challenges but also has detrimental effects on public health. Their study highlighted the negative impact of improper waste disposal on air quality, water contamination, and the spread of infectious diseases. Similarly, Triassi et al. (2016) emphasized the link between inadequate waste management and respiratory diseases, citing evidence of increased respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function among individuals living in close proximity to open dumping sites. On the other hand, Yasmin and Rahman (2017) conducted a study on the awareness and practice of household solid waste management among community people and found that poor household solid waste management poses serious health risks and spreads communicable diseases. Their study emphasized the health risks of waste contamination. Poor waste collection also leads to environmental and marine pollution and can block water drains, resulting in flooding and other standing waters that favour cholera and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Silpa Kaza (2018), lead author of the What a Waste 2.0 6 a nd urban development expert at the World Bank argues that "Environmentally sound waste management touches many important aspects of development." Transitioning to sustainable waste management will take time and money. The article further claims that for many municipal governments, waste management is the single largest budget line item. It makes up an average of 20% of municipal budgets in low-income countries. "However, when it comes to designing liveable, healthy, and inclusive cities and communities, solid waste management is often an overlooked concern. Therefore, in the interest of both its citizens and the environment 7 , governments must take swift 6 See, What a Waste: An Updated Look into the Future of Solid Waste Management. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/20 18/09/20/what-a-waste-an-updated-look-into-the-future-of-solid-waste- management 7 In Book: Environmental Thoughts, Part-I, 2019 (pp. 80 - 118) Edition: March-2019 Chapter: Municipal Solid Waste Management in Dhaka action to address waste management (What a Waste: An Updated Look into the Future of Solid Waste Management, 2018)." Furthermore, a study by Magaji & Dakyes, (2011) highlighted the socioeconomic implications of poor waste scavenging practices as a means of poverty alleviation in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Their findings revealed that substandard waste management disproportionately affects marginalized populations, leading to increased health disparities and hindering poverty alleviation efforts. Similarly, Ashikuzzaman and Howlader, (2020) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the economic costs associated with inefficient waste management, underlining the potential economic benefits of implementing sustainable waste management practices. Considering the circumstances of urban waste management in Bangladesh, Bhuiyan (2010) stressed that a well-structured public-private partnership may enable successful solid waste management and ensure good urban governance in Bangladesh. In their 2016 study on municipal waste management in Bangladesh, in Dhaka, Saifullah and Islam (2016) asserted that MSWM is a complicated issue with drastic consequences for human development, public health, and poverty reduction. The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) report, covering 1990 to 2021, also emphasizes the importance of health, education and living conditions as key indicators for assessing a country's overall level of human development. The existing literature reveals contrasting perspectives among academia, governments, and NGOs regarding the adverse effects of waste management. However, the well-being of slum dwellers in terms of health and poverty alleviation remains unattended, hindering their integration into the economy and progress in human development. Therefore, this study underscores the significance of comprehending the intricate interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors that contributes to inadequate waste management practices and their detrimental consequences. By investigating the multifaceted dimensions of waste management and its impact on the health, environment, and socio-economic aspects of the vulnerable population in the city, this research aims to bridge these knowledge gaps and address these pressing issues. Overall, the study contributes to a growing body of research on waste management in Dhaka and provides a basis for further research and policy development in this area. City: Current Status, Problems and Possible Solutions Publisher: Toyza Publications