The water situation in Harare, Zimbabwe: a policy and management problem

Water Policy ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Innocent Nhapi

Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, is facing water quantity and quality problems, with serious pollution of the downstream Lake Chivero. Often, these problems are attributed to rapid population growth, inadequate maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, expensive technologies and a poor institutional framework. Rampant urban agriculture could also result in washing off and leaching of nutrients. This paper brings out a number of issues related to sustainable water management in Harare. The study was based on key informant interviews, focus group discussions and a literature review. The results show that monitoring and enforcement of regulations in Harare is poor because of economic hardships and lack of political will to deal with offenders. Also, there is irregular collection of garbage, low fines owing to hyper-inflation and a general failure by the city to collect water and other charges from residents. The city has also failed to raise tariffs to economic levels owing to heavy lobbying by residents and interference by government. It was concluded that Harare cannot overcome its water-related problems under the current set-up. It is recommended that a corporatised body, free from political influence and with a higher degree of autonomy, be established to run the water services for Harare and the neighbouring towns. Such a body would need a sound and flexible system for setting tariffs and enacting/enforcing reasonable regulations.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nada Krivonakova ◽  
Andrea Soltysova ◽  
Michal Tamas ◽  
Zdenko Takac ◽  
Ján Krahulec ◽  
...  

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic caused by β-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 emerges to intensive scientific research and monitoring of wastewaters because of their possible important role in identifying and early warning of a spread of the virus in the community. In our study, we investigated the prevalence of the COVID-19 disease in the population of the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava, based on wastewater monitoring from September 2020 until March 2021. Samples were analyzed from two major wastewater treatment plants of the city with reaching nearly 0.6 million monitored inhabitants. Obtained results from the wastewater analysis suggest significant statistical dependence. High correlations between the number of viral particles in wastewater and the number of reported positive nasopharyngeal RT-qPCR tests of infected individuals with a time lag of 2 weeks / 12 days (R2 = 83.78% / R2 = 52.65%) as well as with a reported number of death cases with a time lag of 4 weeks / 27 days (R2 = 83.21% / R2 = 61.89%) was observed. The obtained results and subsequent mathematical modeling will serve in the future as an early warning system for the occurrence of a local site of infection and, at the same time, predict the load on the health system up to two weeks in advance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Zusmelia Zusmelia ◽  
Firdaus Firdaus

The Pasar Raya Padang suffered various dynamics and changes since the West Sumatera earthquake 2009. Many studies hadbeen conducted by academicians and researchers, but no study offering the model of economic space govern at Pasar Raya Padang according to traders’ needs. This paper was conducted by qualitative approach offers the models of traditional economic space govern in the city of Padang. This research had been conducted since 2015 in Pasar Raya Padang. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), observation and document study. The result is that the traders as the primary market stakeholders want to have the model of economic space govern integrated over the system, the infrastructures, and market layout. The traders intend to have Pasar Raya Padang that still uses traditional systembut the physical buildings thatare set up as a modern market with complete facilities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 72-85
Author(s):  
Nilanjana Ghoshal ◽  
Mst Tania Parveen ◽  
Dr Asraful Alam

In India, traditionally and from time immemorial, marriage has always been a sacred bond for people of this country. The aim of this study is to explain a socially sanctioned sex relationship involving people of two opposite gender whose relationship is expected to endure beyond time required for gestation. The functional method of the study has been set up on the field-based observation to find out the reasons behind rising of marital disharmony among working couples. But the problem is initially in modern times the concept of marriage is gradually taking a different turn between couples. Hence the focus of this paper is to study the various factors giving rise to marital disharmonies among working couples in urban India and how these discords can be solved so that couples can lead a happy harmonious married life ahead. Survey has been done in the city of Kolkata taking people from various walks of life. As Kolkata is one of the major Metropolitan cities of India it was easier to find people belonging to different professions. The result of this study is every marriage brings challenges in life. Maximum working couples are losing attachment with each other as they have lack of time for each other. Bringing work at home, sharing of parenthood, indifference towards each other, lack of adjustments are the causes for which level of disharmony is increasing.


2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 321-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gallenkemper ◽  
T. Wintgens ◽  
T. Melin

Endocrine disrupting compounds can affect the hormone system in organisms. A wide range of endocrine disrupters were found in sewage and effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants. Toxicological evaluations indicate that conventional wastewater treatment plants are not able to remove these substances sufficiently before disposing effluent into the environment. Membrane technology, which is proving to be an effective barrier to these substances, is the subject of this research. Nanofiltration provides high quality permeates in water and wastewater treatment. Eleven different nanofiltration membranes were tested in the laboratory set-up. The observed retention for nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) ranged between 70% and 100%. The contact angle is an indicator for the hydrophobicity of a membrane, whose influence on the permeability and retention of NP was evident. The retention of BPA was found to be inversely proportional to the membrane permeability.


2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-189
Author(s):  
O. U. Manafa ◽  
T. S. Awolola ◽  
A. N. Isamah

A study in human Onchocerciasis was undertaken in four endemic communities in Ondo State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted on peoples' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Onchocerciasis aetiology, treatment, prevention, and symptoms. These were complemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Based on this information, an educational program was set up which included the training of selected villagers (motivators) and community intervention organized by these motivators. Evaluation used a control group where intervention was focused on other health problems in the area. Onchocerciasis education took place only with the intervention group. At the start of the project, peoples' knowledge about Onchocerciasis, its cause, treatment, prevention, and symptoms were varied and only a small proportion could link the bite of the blackfly to Onchocerciasis. The educational intervention achieved a high level of participant satisfaction which was expressed in continuous attendance at workshops and keeping appointments with motivators. The intervention helped to bring a significant improvement in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the respondents. The knowledge of Onchocerciasis aetiology increased to 79.8 percent, 71.5 percent, and 74 percent from 48.5 percent, 48.7 percent, 34 percent, and 45 percent pre-intervention in the four study areas used. The project demonstrated that a community-based health education can be effective in Onchocerciasis control.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110123
Author(s):  
Tiara Amelia ◽  
Hadi Pratomo ◽  
Asri C. Adisasmita ◽  
Evi Martha ◽  
Yeni Rustina ◽  
...  

Background: The infant and neonatal mortality rate in Depok City is still high, with low birth weight (LBW) and premature births being one of the main causes. In 2018, 14 out of 41 cases of early neonatal death were due to LBW. Studies show that Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) can prevent or reduce LBW deaths caused by hypothermia, but the implementation is still not evenly distributed. Objective: Describe KMC feasibility as a supporting material for a KMC policy umbrella at Depok City. Method: Qualitative research was conducted with a Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) design. A total of 56 informants were divided into 8 discussion groups, 7 in-depth interviews and 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The types of informants were families and inter-sectoral officers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: KMC implementation feasibility in Depok City in terms of facilities and infrastructure was still limited and the quality was insufficient. The number of human resources was still limited, and the competency was still not evenly distributed. LBW family readiness can be maintained if provided with complete and accurate knowledge; therefore, a strong commitment may develop to continue KMC at home. The potential sources of KMC financing are found at health facilities and inter-sectoral; however, to use it, a legal umbrella at the city district level is necessary. Conclusions: The factors of potential financing sources need to be followed up into a priority. This is to overcome the constraints of KMC feasibility implementation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽  
Robert C. Bollinger ◽  
Stuart C. Ray ◽  
LaRon E. Nelson ◽  
Noah Kiwanuka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Men in Sub-Saharan Africa are less engaged than women in accessing HIV testing and treatment and, consequently, experience higher HIV-related mortality. Reaching men with HIV testing services is challenging, thus, increasing the need for innovative ways to engage men with low access and those at higher risk. In this study, we explore men’s perceptions of drivers and barriers of workplace-based HIV self-testing in Uganda. Methods An exploratory study involving men working in private security companies employing more than 50 men in two districts, in central and western Uganda. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Forty-eight (48) men from eight private security companies participated in 5 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Of the 48 men, 14(29.2%) were ages 26–35 years. The majority 31(64.6%) were security guards. The drivers reported for workplace-based HIV self-testing included convenience, autonomy, positive influence from work colleagues, the need for alternative access for HIV testing services, incentives, and involvement of employers. The barriers reported were the prohibitive cost of HIV tests, stigma, lack of testing support, the fear of discrimination and isolation, and concerns around decreased work productivity in the event of a reactive self-test. Conclusions We recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross W. Jamieson

As one of the most common artifact categories found on Spanish colonial sites, the wheel-made, tin-glazed pottery known as majolica is an important chronological and social indicator for archaeologists. Initially imported from Europe, several manufacturing centers for majolica were set up in the New World by the late sixteenth century. The study of colonial majolica in the Viceroyalty of Peru, which encompassed much of South America, has received less attention than ceramic production and trade in the colonial Caribbean and Mesoamerica. Prior to 1650 the Viceroyalty of Peru was supplied with majolica largely produced in the city of Panama Vieja, on the Pacific. Panama Vieja majolica has been recovered from throughout the Andes, as far south as Argentina. Majolica made in Panama Vieja provides an important chronological indicator of early colonial archaeological contexts in the region. The reproduction of Iberian-style majolica for use on elite tables was symbolically important to the imposition of Spanish rule, and thus Panamanian majolicas also provide an important indicator of elite status on Andean colonial sites.


Urban Studies ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 004209802110005
Author(s):  
Rebekah Plueckhahn

This article explores the experience of living among diverse infrastructural configurations in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and forms of stigmatisation that arise as a result. In this capital city that experiences extremely cold winters, the provision of heat is a seasonal necessity. Following a history of socialist-era, centrally provided heating, Ulaanbaatar is now made up of a core area of apartments and other buildings undergoing increased expansion, surrounded by vast areas of fenced land plots ( ger districts) not connected to centrally provided heating. In these areas, residents have historically heated their homes through burning coal, a technique that has resulted in seasonal air pollution. Expanding out from Wacquant’s definition of territorial stigmatisation, this article discusses the links between heat generation, air pollution and environmental stigmatisation arising from residents’ association with or proximity to the effects of heat generation and/or infrastructural lack. This type of stigma complexifies the normative divide between the city’s two main built areas. Residents’ attempts to mitigate forms of building and infrastructural ‘quality’ or chanar (in Mongolian) form ways of negotiating their position as they seek different kinds of property. Here, not only are bodies vulnerable to forms of pollution (both air and otherwise), but also buildings and infrastructure are vulnerable to disrepair. Residents’ assessments of infrastructural and building quality move beyond any categorisation of them being a clear ‘resistance’ to deteriorating infrastructural conditions. Instead, an ethnographic lens that positions the viewpoint of the city through these residential experiences reveals a reconceptualisation of the city that challenges infrastructurally determined normative assumptions.


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