Experts Claim Kiteezi Landfill Can Be Reversed, Drawing Lessons from Ghana's KPONE Disaster

Key considerations include the leachate treatment system for managing waste by-products and the necessary infrastructure to safely handle dangerous gases like methane.

Kampala – The Kiteezi Landfill, often criticized for its management issues, may not be beyond redemption, according to Waste Landfills Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.

With their extensive experience in managing landfill disasters, they believe that with the right approach, it is possible to reverse the challenges faced at Kiteezi.

Drawing parallels with the KPONE landfill in Ghana, which faced a similar fate due to mismanagement, the experts shared insights into effective landfill management.

The KPONE landfill, engineered in 2021 to accommodate the waste needs of the Tebu community and greater Accra, became a symbol of waste management failure by August 2019.

Originally designed to handle 500 tonnes of garbage daily, it was instead managing over 1,000 tonnes, leading to a crisis that culminated in a devastating fire outbreak.

Community reports indicated that the fire was likely ignited by emissions from a nearby ceramic factory. The flames quickly engulfed the landfill, forcing evacuations and leaving behind a trail of toxic fumes and smoke.

“It took almost three months for the black smoke to clear, and close to a year to address the aftermath of the fire,” noted a local resident.

Although no lives were lost, the incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of landfill mismanagement.

In the wake of the KPONE disaster, the Jospong Group was tasked with decommissioning the landfill.

Samuel Quartey, the landfill operations supervisor, explained that the company conducted feasibility studies to assess the damage and develop strategies for remediation.

“Most landfill disasters stem from the failure to distinguish between a dumping site and a landfill,” Quartey stated.

He emphasized that landfills should be the final disposal point in the waste management process, requiring careful design and comprehensive studies to guide operations.

Key considerations include the leachate treatment system for managing waste by-products and the necessary infrastructure to safely handle dangerous gases like methane.

Quartey noted the importance of having a well-implemented design to prevent catastrophic events like explosions.

When asked about the prospects for Uganda's Kiteezi landfill, Quartey was optimistic.

“It’s not too late for Kiteezi. However, it will require expertise, technology, and funding to effect the necessary changes,” he asserted.

The KPONE landfill’s transformation serves as a benchmark for Uganda, highlighting the importance of robust landfill management practices to avoid similar crises.

As discussions around waste management and landfill solutions continue, experts call for immediate action to safeguard the environment and the health of communities near the Kiteezi landfill.