Effects of industrialisation on wetland degradation :

Abstract

The study examined the effects of industrialization on wetland degradation using Nsooba Lubigi wetland system in Kawempe division as a case study. The overall objective was to determine the effects of industrialization (industrial location industrial wastes and industrial wetland inputs) on wetland degradation with Nsooba-Lubigi wetland system in Kawempe division as the case study. The study was cross sectional and used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data, analyze and present it. 'The methods of data collection used were interviews, questionnaires and field observations. The data was collected from sample of eight respondents and analyzed using excel and SPSS, version 20 which facilitated the formation of frequency tables and pie charts. The study was based on primary data collected through field observations the use of questionnaires. interview guides that were randomly distributed to the respondents in the different cluster areas of Kale we kibe zone, Bwaise industrial area zone and Kawala in Kawempe division. From the findings, it was established that industries have significantly contributed the destruction of Nsooba Lubigi wetland system in Kawempe division. Wetland degradation has manifested through reduction of wetland acreage contamination, flooding habitat loss extinction of wetland flora and fauna. The study revealed that the various laws relating to industrial solid waste management are not considered, there are increased patterns due to infillings, industrial wastes that broke drainage channel and that most of the industries in the study area do not use inputs from the wetland. Basing on the research findings it is recommended that wetland policies be made more comprehensive to include issues such as environmental monitoring of environmental standards, need for environmental audits and environmental impact assessments for existing industries and enforcement of policies be strengthened by equipping law enforcement agencies to apply wetland policies and monitor compliance.