SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN YANGON, MYANMAR

Abstract

Within the framework of sustainable development this study is concerned about the current solid waste management system in Yangon with respect to generation, collection, storage, transportation and final disposal. Specifically, it aims to identify environmental problems associated with the current solid waste system in Yangon with an emphasis on suggesting a more comprehensive and environmentally friendly disposal system for the former capital city. In 2003, the estimated population of Yangon's was nearly 4.6 million. The Solid Waste Management System in Yangon City is administered and performed by the Pollution Control and Cleansing Department (PCCD) under the guideline of Yangon City Development Committee. PCCD collects and disposes of all residential refuses generated within Yangon. The city of Yangon is divided into 4 districts such as east, south, north and west districts for waste collection. PCCD has 4,469 workers and 160 vehicles to collect daily waste in the city. The lack of vehicles means that each vehicle has to make 3 to 4 trips to the various areas. The daily total generation rate of solid waste is approximately 1,435 tons for Yangon. The average waste generation of Yangon inhabitant is about 0.312 kilogram per capita per day. This is much lower than the average waste disposal. The daily waste collection efficiency by the PCCD is 80% of the total waste output of the city. The main solid waste products of the city consisits of vegetable organic materials (75% of the total waste), plastic, paper, etc. At present, collected solid wastes are transported to two open dumping sites, Htein Pin and Htawechaung. To improve the solid waste management in Yangon the promotion of recycling, composting and public participation should be practiced. Composting of vegetableorganic waste is converted into organic fertilizer and sold to farmer for agriculture. Sanitary landfill development remains an environmentally sound policy. However in longer run, it can be improved only when there are more financial resources. In the long term, all these factors will affect sustainable urban development. The current dilemma of the local decision-makers is how to improve the current solid waste management system in Yangon.