Sunghea Khil, a joint degree Master in Urban Planning and Public Policy candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Kennedy School, is one of two planning students to receive 2022 student grants from the American Planning Association to support travel and research. Her proposal, “Planning for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure in Uganda: Revenue Solutions for Municipal Services,” will research strategies for successful municipal solid waste (MSW) management in emerging markets.
“Over 90% of waste in Africa is disposed of at uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills,” notes Khil’s proposal. “The city of Kampala, Uganda is also experiencing a need for adequate solid waste management, as well as developing a landfill site that can accommodate greater needs of MSW.” Her project will ask questions including: “How can Kampala’s waste management infrastructure be financed to generate sufficient revenue solutions?” And, “Considering the potential impact of surrounding communities, what are some strategies to repurpose the old landfill site?”
During her time at Harvard, Khil has concentrated on urban economic development through the dual lenses of policy and design. She is interested in infrastructure, cities, and development in the United States and globally. The APA grant allows for study through August 2022.
Learn more about Khil’s research and the travel grant program on the APA website.