Factoring construction and demolition waste in the Zambian construction industry

The Zambian Construction Industry (ZCI) is one of the fastest growing sectors in Zambia arising from increased infrastructure development. The ZCI, like elsewhere, is composed of many players including designers, contractors, regulators, manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials. The country has seen an upsurge in Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) generation due to increased construction activities. However, opportunities for utilizing CDW for sustainable construction and management have been minimal.

Most research in developing countries has focused on Municipal Waste Management (MWM) rather CDW. In Zambia, CDW is a challenge in the absence of legislation, guidelines and regulation. In the developed countries, guidelines, legislation and regulation, exist. Sustainable utilization of CDW in Zambia is limited due to inadequate policy guidelines and legislation.

The research aimed at estimating the levels of CDW waste generation and utilization, and proposing a framework for sustainable utilization and management of CDW. The research required both qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and site visits whilst secondary data was obtained through literature review. The research, conducted in four provinces of Zambia, established that CDW generation rates were mainly in the 1-10% levels and utilization was low, regardless of the type of project. The main cause for such generation levels was poor skills and workmanship. Further, there are no specific policies dealing with CDW in Zambia. A frame work for estimating and quantifying CDW generation over the whole life cycle of a construction project is also proposed.