IWWG International Waste Working Group
POLOKWANE DECLARATION – WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE AND ARE THE SET TARGETS ACHIEVABLE?
O.E. Taiwo, F.A.O. Otieno, C. Venter
The Polokwane Declaration sets targets of waste reduction to landfills of 50% by 2012 and targets of zero waste to landfills by 2022. Although the most economically developed country on the African continent, South Africa is faced with numerous priority issues (such as public safety, housing, education, health etc.) that require attention, so waste management is generally perceived to be of lower importance. Rapid population growth, use of high-tech materials, the tendency to congregate in large cities and the establishment of informal settlements (where waste management is limited or non-existent), have resulted in increasing pressure on waste management resources, such as landfills, collection and disposal services and the environment (Taiwo and Vorster, 2006; Wiechers et al, 2002).