AN EVALUATION OF THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF A PUBLIC AGENCY: A CASE STUDY OF ENUGU STATE WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (ESWAMA) IN ENUGU CITY, NIGERIA (Published)
Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) is a public agency established in 2004 with the mandate for waste management in the urban areas in Enugu State including Enugu City. After 9 years of existence, it becomes necessary to evaluate its operational efficiency for the purpose of identifying its worth, strength and challenges. For this evaluation, 79 households served as respondents and were purposively selected from the three Local government areas that make up Enugu City. The questionnaire instrument used for data collection contained the 18 statutory functions of ESWAMA and respondents were requested to rate each function as follows; very good (VG), Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P) and Unknown (U) depending on their perception. Relative Satisfaction Indices (RSIs) were computed for the 79 respondents across the 18 functions in keeping with Likert weighting scale. The results were combined with the outcome of the structured interviews and reasons adduced by the respondents. In accordance with Likert scale, 3 classes of efficiency were established for all the 18 functions. Result showed that ESWAMA scored pass mark in only 22.2% of its functions, and fair mark in another 22.2% and poor grade in 55. 6% of its functions. ESWAMA operational efficiency is therefore found to be very poor, partial and narrow in scope in relation to its entire statutory functions. Responsive leadership with good training, skill and knowledge in environmental sciences and management is recommended to improve its operational level of efficiency.
Keywords: ESWAMA, Evaluation, Operational Efficiency, Statutory Function., Waste Management