The Utilization of Solid Waste Transfer Stations in Managing Solid Waste in Rapidly Transforming Neighborhoods. The Case of Sinza Ward in Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania.

Managing waste properly is essential for building sustainable and livable cities, but it remains a challenge for many cities. Various studies estimate that in 2016, the World’s cities generated about Two billions tones of solid waste, amounting to a footprint of 0.79 kilograms per person per day. With rapid population growth, annual waste generation is expected to increase by 70% from 2016 levels to 3.40 billion tones in 2050. Compared to those in developed nations, residents in developing countries especially the urban poor, are more severely impacted by unsustainably managed waste aggravated by increase in population and economic activities, there is a widespread dumping of wastes in non – designated areas including in water bodies, valleys and openly burning, practices which create serious health, safety and environmental consequences. Through the lenses of central place theory, this study examined utilization of solid waste transfer stations in managing solid waste in rapidly transforming Neighborhood of Sinza. Data was collected through mixed methods which involved key informant interview with community leaders, ward and sub - wards leaders as well as environmentalists. Interview was also held with residents and a representative of Community Based Organization (CBO) involved with solid waste management in the study area. Direct observation was also used to capture information on the existing situation of solid waste transfer stations, as well as best practices of informal solid waste collection within the neighborhood. The Data collected were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively through thematic building, as well as descriptive statistics. Therefore. The finds show that during interview 69 % were females and 31 were males who participated in providing their point view on utilization of solid waste transfer stations in Sinza Ward while 47% of them attended secondary education and 17% took their university education. From the interview with Ubungo Municipal Council environmentalist and Ubungo Municipal Urban Planner there are Two (2) solid waste transfer stations in Sinza Neighborhood which serves a population of about 9889 houses. (One at Mawasiliano Market near Bus Park and another one at Mabibo Fruits Market about 12 km from Sinza Ward). According to the Challenges faced in utilization of solid waste transfer station include long distance which took first place with 60%, high transportation costs due to the location of their final dumping site far from the settlement about 40 - 60 km and poor road accessibility. The study recommends the need to improve utilization and management of solid waste transfer stations by involving stakeholders through formulation of teams for solid waste transfer station plan and design. Keywords: Solid Waste Transfer Station, Transforming, Neighborhood, Dar es Salaam City.