By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Plastic waste has become one of the most visible and persistent environmental challenges facing Mogadishu and the wider Banadir region. In his study titled “Environmental Consequence of the Plastic Waste Management System in the Banadir Region,” researcher Abdirahman Omar Abdi examines how plastic waste is generated, managed, and disposed of in the Somali capital, and how existing practices affect the environment, public health, and urban life .
The study is framed within the concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and focuses on understanding the interaction between plastic waste management systems and the natural and social environment of Banadir. It highlights the growing scale of plastic waste, the limitations of current waste management approaches, and the need for more sustainable and coordinated solutions.
Background and Rationale
According to the study, Mogadishu has experienced significant population growth and urban expansion over the past decade, particularly between 2012 and 2023. This growth has been accompanied by increased consumption of plastic products, especially single-use plastics such as bags, bottles, packaging materials, and disposable household items. While municipal spending on waste management has increased during this period, plastic waste continues to accumulate faster than it can be effectively managed .
Plastic differs from other forms of solid waste because it does not decompose naturally within a short time. Instead, it persists in the environment for decades or even centuries. The study notes that this durability, combined with weak collection systems and limited recycling capacity, has resulted in widespread plastic pollution across streets, open spaces, drainage systems, and water bodies in Banadir.
Objectives of the Study
The research is guided by two main objectives. The first is to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste in Mogadishu, focusing on how waste is collected, transported, treated, and disposed of. The second objective is to examine the role of public awareness in reducing plastic use and improving waste management behavior among residents.
In addition to these core goals, the study seeks to support local authorities, waste management companies, and policymakers by providing insights that can help improve planning, regulation, and community engagement in waste management practices .
Methodological Approach
The study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach based on Environmental Impact Assessment principles. It relies on a review of existing academic literature, legal documents, municipal practices, and observational evidence from Mogadishu. Rather than focusing on numerical measurements alone, the research emphasizes understanding systems, behaviors, and institutional arrangements related to plastic waste.
Legal and regulatory frameworks form an important part of the methodology. The study refers to Somali laws governing municipal responsibilities and environmental protection, including Law No. 49 of 1980, and examines how these laws define roles for government institutions, private waste companies, and citizens .
Plastic Waste and Environmental Impacts
One of the central themes of the study is the environmental impact of unmanaged plastic waste. The research identifies several interconnected areas of concern.
Land pollution is highlighted as a major issue. Plastic waste is frequently dumped in open areas, markets, residential neighborhoods, and roadways. Over time, plastics break down into smaller particles, contaminating soil and reducing land quality. This pollution affects both urban aesthetics and the ecological health of the environment.
Water pollution is another serious consequence. Plastic waste often blocks drainage systems and is carried into rivers, coastal areas, and groundwater sources. The study explains that as plastics degrade, they can release harmful substances into water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and threatening ecosystems that depend on clean water .
The study also addresses air pollution, particularly from the open burning of plastic waste. In many parts of Mogadishu, waste is burned as a quick disposal method. Burning plastics releases toxic gases and fine particles that degrade air quality and contribute to respiratory illnesses among nearby residents.
Public Health and Social Effects
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Beyond environmental damage, the study emphasizes the close relationship between plastic waste and public health. Accumulated plastic waste creates breeding grounds for insects and disease vectors, increasing the spread of communicable diseases. In addition, plastics often contain chemical additives that can disrupt human hormonal systems when they enter food and water chains.
The research also notes social consequences. Waste-filled streets, open dumps, and polluted neighborhoods negatively affect quality of life and public morale. Plastic waste undermines the cleanliness and livability of the city, placing additional burdens on families, local authorities, and health services .
Livestock and wildlife are also affected. The study mentions cases where animals ingest plastic bags or become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death. This problem is particularly relevant in urban and peri-urban areas where animals share space with human settlements.
Role of Awareness and Community Participation
A significant part of the study is devoted to the issue of public awareness. The researcher argues that weak awareness among citizens is a major factor contributing to poor plastic waste management. Many residents are not fully informed about the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution or about proper waste disposal practices.
The study highlights the importance of education, media campaigns, and community-based initiatives in changing behavior. It stresses that awareness programs should be culturally appropriate, use local languages, and involve schools, universities, religious institutions, and community leaders.
Community participation is presented as essential. When citizens understand their role and responsibilities in waste management—such as separating waste, reducing plastic use, and cooperating with collection systems—the overall effectiveness of waste management improves .
Institutional Roles and Waste Management Systems
The study outlines the responsibilities of different actors involved in plastic waste management. Local government authorities are responsible for regulation, supervision, and coordination. Waste management companies are expected to collect, transport, and process waste according to environmental standards, preferably focusing on recycling rather than burning or dumping.
The research also emphasizes transparency and competition in selecting waste management companies, arguing that open and fair procedures can improve service quality. Citizens are encouraged to participate through neighborhood organizations, reporting systems, and community clean-up initiatives.
Recommendations and Way Forward
To address the challenges identified, the study calls for a comprehensive and integrated approach to plastic waste management. This includes improving waste collection infrastructure, expanding recycling initiatives, reducing reliance on single-use plastics, and strengthening enforcement of environmental regulations.
Public awareness campaigns, policy reforms, and cooperation between government institutions, private companies, and communities are presented as key components of a sustainable solution. The study emphasizes that plastic waste management cannot be treated as a technical issue alone but must be addressed as an environmental, social, and public health priority .
Conclusion
In conclusion, Abdirahman Omar Abdi’s study provides a detailed overview of the environmental consequences of plastic waste management in the Banadir region. It shows how plastic pollution affects land, water, air, health, and quality of life, and highlights the importance of awareness, institutional coordination, and sustainable practices.
The study contributes to understanding plastic waste as a long-term environmental challenge for Mogadishu and underscores the need for collective action to protect the environment and public health for future generations .
