View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

5.4.7 Solid waste disposal
All households need to dispose ofsolid waste. The lOP (IDP-Zululand District Municipality,
2006) reported that more than halfthe households in Zululand dispose ofwaste in their own
dumps. Only 20% have access to a formal waste disposal system, and these are in urban
areas. In the light of this environmental challenge associated with the unsustainable solid
waste disposal, this study seeks to establish strategic tools that would promote sustainable
environmental education and solid waste management.
5.4.8 Cemeteries
Burial arrangements are closely bound with cultural and religious traditions. In most cases
burial sites are needed in relatively close proximity to settlements. The prevailing settlement
pattern, which is characterised by towns and rural settlements in the tribal areas and farms,
provides an indication ofwhere the demand for burial sites is significant. Approximately 700
ha of land are required in the Zululand District Municipality by the year 2020 to
accommodate approximately (800 000) cumulative deaths at that time ((IDP-Zululand District
Municipality, 2006).
This study reveals the need for the development of pro-active strategic tools 10 guide
decision-making for burial sites on grounds of environmental sanctity. Certain burial sites,
for instance, in the study area are located close to rivers that provide water to the surrounding
rural community. The environmental health costs that this practice creates are detrimental to
human life in the Zululand District Municipality.
5.4.9 Honsing
Approximately 45% of the households in Zululand live in traditional dwellings. There is an
increasing need for rural housing projects throughout the district. It should be noted that the
Department of Housing requires of municipalities to prepare municipal housing plans.
Guidelines have been prepared in this regard, and once completed the municipal housing
120