Investigating Challenges of Construction and Demolition Waste Management, in the Case of Mekelle, Tigray

Abstract

With rapid urbanization and economic growth, All the activities, new construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings and structures generate huge amounts of waste, which require reduction in generation and proper management. Nevertheless, due to several barriers and constraints this could not be implemented. The purpose of this study was investigating challenges of construction and demolition waste management in Mekelle construction projects. Based on this objective, the factors that contribute waste, effects of C&DW, current construction waste management practice and major challenges of C&DW management have been investigated. The study used semi structured interview and questionnaire survey for data collecting techniques, and relative importance index for descriptive data analysis. The result of the study shown the improper material handling and storage, poor supervision, lack of skilled man power and late design changes are the most contributing factors to waste generation. Whereas, Project cost overrun, Environmental Pollution, Reduction in profit, Resources depletion and public health and safety risks are the main effect of C&DW. In the current construction waste management practices, the governing strategies i.e. waste reduction and proper management were not effectively implemented. Furthermore, the following main challenges were identified in this research. The challenges are; Improper planning & waste management practice, Ineffective waste management plan, Insufficient waste management training programs, Poor supervision practice, Lack enforcement of regulations, Absence of training on waste minimization strategies for construction firms, insufficient legislation & regulation, Lack of Government incentives, Low Concern for socio-economic and environmental effect of wastage, Resistance to change traditional management practices, Poor coordination among construction stakeholders, Believing waste not a problem on site, High cost with low quality of recycled materials, Lack of demand for recycled materials, and High cost of waste disposal. The study also recommends that Managing C &D Waste needs a serious attention from all the stakeholders involved throughout the construction process.