SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED RISKFACTOR: THE CASE OF ADAMA CITY ADMINISTRATION, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Solid waste management is critical issue faced by urban areas worldwide. The rapid increases of population size, urbanization and industrialization resulted in increased generation of solid wastes. Consequently, solid wastes and its management became major public health, environmental and socio-economic concern.This study aimed to investigatethe solid waste management system and associated risk factor of the environment, public health and socio economic aspects;in the case of Adama city administration, OromiaRegional State, Ethiopia. The study design was based on identifying representative kebeles with varying waste management practices namelyGoro, Bedatu and TadechaArara. A total sample size of 398 target population were selected. In the study the primary data sources were used which collected via questioner survey, interviews and field observation. Datawas analyzed and presented using frequency, percentages,mean, tables, graphs and charts.The study has shown that,among the respondents, 50.3% claimed that their environment is unclean. 87.1% and 36.3% of residents were suffered by most prevalent diseases of respiratory infection and diarrhea respectively. Inadequate service coverage, lack of public awareness, scientifically designed landfills and minimal cooperation among stakeholder are among the challenges for inadequatesolid waste management in Adama city administration. The study has also indicated that there is high environmental and health impact due to inadequate solid waste management system of the Adama city. Residents were exposed to bad smells and different communicable diseases such as respiratory infection, diarrhea, typhoid and allergy. As a result solid wastes made the environment not attractive and unsafe to live in. The needs for participatory waste management plan and awareness creation for the communityby the city administration are indispensable.