Abstract
Landfills remain a primary means of disposing of municipal solid waste, yet they present significant environmental and public health hazards in low- and middle-income nations. In Maseru, rapid urban growth has outpaced waste management capability, resulting in inadequate containment and increased exposure of surrounding communities to pollution and illnesses. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding these health and environmental effects in Maseru, Lesotho.
This study assessed the health and environmental effects of the Tšosane landfill site in Maseru, Lesotho, on surrounding residential areas. An analytical cross-sectional design with a retrospective component was employed, comparing residents living within 2–500 meters of the landfill to those at least one kilometre away. Study participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected from 426 adults using structured questionnaires and analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics Version 30.0, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression at a 95% confidence level.
Results showed that nearly half of respondents (48.6%) lived in close proximity to the landfill, and this group reported significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms (coughing: 93.6%), skin allergies, headaches, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal infections compared to the control group. Proximity was also strongly associated with socio-demographic factors such as age, marital status, and length of residence. Environmental concerns, including foul odour, dust, litter, and noise, were consistently reported by communities living near the landfill.
The findings demonstrate that living in proximity to a landfill site in Maseru has measurable effects on perceived and actual environmental and health risks to residents. The study concludes that inadequate waste management at the Tšosane landfill site poses substantial threats to public health and the environment. It recommends upgrading the landfill to sanitary standards, enforcing siting regulations, strengthening waste diversion strategies, and implementing targeted community health programs. These measures are essential for safeguarding residents, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable urban waste management in Lesotho.