ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AT BUKURU JOS-SOUTH LGA OF PLATEAU STATE

ABSTRACT This study assesses the application and effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in solid waste management in Bukuru, Jos-South Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, Nigeria. Solid waste management remains a significant challenge globally, especially in developing countries, where urbanization and population growth strain available waste management resources. PPPs have been promoted as a strategy to improve efficiency and service delivery by leveraging private sector expertise alongside public sector responsibilities. This research employs a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design that integrates quantitative surveys of 194 households and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including public officials, private waste contractors, community leaders, and waste workers. Findings reveal that while PPPs have led to some improvements, such as increased frequency of waste collection in certain wards and better infrastructure, significant challenges persist. Nearly half the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the overall quality and timeliness of solid waste services, with noticeable geographic disparities in service delivery quality. Community participation in waste management decision-making was modest, with less than half of respondents involved, and barriers such as poor communication, mistrust, and limited empowerment were pervasive. Key challenges identified include irregular waste collection, overflowing bins, illegal dumping, limited funding, political interference, unclear contracts, and infrastructural deficits. Regression analysis indicates that waste collection frequency, communication quality, and availability of waste bins significantly predict perceptions of PPP effectiveness. The study underscores the critical importance of enhancing operational consistency, communication transparency, and inclusive community engagement to foster trust and support for PPP arrangements. In conclusion, while PPPs offer a promising framework for addressing waste management issues in Bukuru, their potential is not fully realized due to systemic institutional, social, and operational barriers. The study recommends increased community involvement, clearer and stable contractual agreements, improved resource allocation, and consistent communication strategies to optimize PPP performance, ultimately contributing to sustainable solid waste management and improved public health outcomes in Bukuru and similar urban contexts.