TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION…………………………………………………….…i
DEDICATION…………………………………………………………..ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………….……..iii
TABLE OF
CONTENTS……………………………………………….V
LIST OF
TABLES…………………………………………………….Vii
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………….ix
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY ……………………….….……..…1
1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM…………………..…3
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY……………………..…..…….6
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY……………………………………7
1.5 HYPOTHESES……………………………………………………7
1.6 STUDY AREA ………………………………………….………...8
1.7 LOCATION………………………………………………….. ….10
1.8 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PORT-HARCOURT…..…
11
1.9 POPULATION …………………………..………………….….12
1.10 CLIMATE……………………………………………………... 13
1.11 TRANSPORTATION………………………………………... 14
1.12 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE PEOPLE………. 15
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 THEREFORE FRAMEWORK………………………………….17
2.2 LITERATURE
REVIEW……………………………………… 21
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
3.1 TYPE
OF DATA…………………………………………………37
3.2 SOURCE
OF DATA……………………………………………. .37
3.3 METHOD
OF DATA COLLECTION…………………………...38
3.4 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS………………………………39
3.5 POPULATION OF THE STUDY………………………………..41
3.6 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES………………………………….....41
CHAPTER FOUR:
DATA
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS…………………...43
4.2
HYPOTHESIS……………………………….…………………..59
4.3
DECISION RULE…………………………...…………………...62
4.4
DISCUSSION OF FINDING…………………...………………..64
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY
AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 SUMMARY…………………………..………………..………...66
5.2 RECOMMENDATION……………………………………….....67
5.3 CONCLUSION……………………………………..……………69
REFERENCES
PLATES
APPENDIXES
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: population
growth of port-Harcourt city (1921-20008).
Table 4.1: Category
of solid waste generated in the study area.
Table 4.2: People
who have waste dump (silo bin )
Table 4.3: Size of
waste collected in streets of the study area.
Table 4.4: How Often
Waste is Disposed from their homes daily.
Table 4.5: Number
of waste bins found in that location
Table 4.6: Approximate
Dumping of Waste in the Waste Bins
Table 4.7: Factors
Leading to Inappropriate Disposal of Waste
Table 4.8: Amount
of Money Spent on Waste Evacuation
Table 4.9: Health
Problems as a Result of Indiscriminate Waste
Dump
Table 4.10: Number of
Times Health Problems is being treated.
Table 4.11: Amount of
Money Spent on Medical Bills When Treating
Health Problems.
Table 4.12: Recommendations
to Improve Waste Management.
PLATES
Plate
1: indiscriminate waste disposal in a
drainage channel in Diobu
Plate 2: Over flow of waste bin in
Borikiri
ABSTRACT
This
research work was carried out on the problems and prospects of waste disposal
in port-Harcourt metropolis, aimed at providing solution to problems of solid
waste disposal in port-Harcourt metropolis. The major objectives of the study
are; to determine the quality of waste generated in the study area, to assess
the impact of indiscriminate waste dump on the socio-economic lives of the
respondents, to suggest possible management methods to the observed problem. The data for this study was collected
through primary and secondary sources. The primary data source includes; field
work, questionnaire, and personal observation. Whereas, the secondary data
source include textbooks, research project, formal articles and electronic
media. The data obtained in the field with the aid of questionnaire
administration on problems and prospects of waste disposal in port-Harcourt
metropolis was subjected to analysis and presentation. This study discovered that
ignorance, inadequate waste management facility, along with other factors such
as attitudes of residents dumping waste indiscriminately (into gutters,
roadsides) and in nearby bushes were key factors hindering progress towards
efficient waste management in port-Harcourt metropolis. However, environmental
education/awareness was highly recommended by the people of Port-Harcourt
metropolis as a prospective way of reducing the problems of waste
disposal/management in their vicinity.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
of the Study
One
of the greatest environmental problems that pose a grave challenge to the
residents of port-Harcourt is waste disposal. Today, solid waste disposal
constitutes a major urban environmental paralysis; a clog in the wheel of progress
in terms of urban environmental purity and sanitation (Slue, 2009).
The
deterioration of the urban environment in terms of irresponsibly dumped and accumulated
solid wastes is most apparent in our urban lives and blighted environments have
often been cited and voted as contributing causes of the Nigerian urban decay
(Asuquo 1979). In Port Harcourt metropolis, waste problem has gained notoriety
because of its visibility and general degradation of the environment. In Borikiri
area of Port Harcourt, it is common site to find mounds of waste in many
places, besides those wastes that are scattered in gutters, street corners, and
road sides.
Waste
may be defined as any substance be it solid, liquid or gaseous, that remains a residue
or an incidental by- product of the processing of the substance and for which no
use can be found by the organism or system that produces it (Allaby, 1998). In
other words, wastes are substances or objects discarded as worthless or
unwanted, defective and of no further value to the user and should be disposed
(Ekpoh, 2009).
Waste
is an unavoidable consequence of the need for survival. In order to live, we
eat, drink and provide other necessities of life. In the process of trying to
satisfy these needs, we create waste. It is a fact that the amount of waste
generated by individual has relationships with per capital consumption.
In
the light of the above, this study seeks to examine the problems and prospects
of waste disposal on Port- Harcourt metropolis.
1.2 Statement
of Research Problem
It
is a well established fact that man’s survival on planet earth absolutely
depends on the environment. Therefore, unhealthy environment leads to unhealthy
human existence. According to NEST (1991) one of the problems facing Nigerian
Urban centers is the issue of waste management. In recent times, there has been
a phenomenal increase in the volume of solid waste generation daily (over 3,000
tonnes of solid waste) in the country, due largely to the increasing rate of population,
urbanization, industrialization and general economic growth. (Www.ceidenuniv.academia.edu).
In
many cities including Port Harcourt, the volume of solid waste generated (A total
of 207.3 tonnes, 1.45kg of waste per capita daily), has overwhelmed the urban
administrators capacity to plan for their collection and disposal. Thus, it is
very common to find waste being littered on streets, scattered in gutters and
roadsides.
This
practice has resulted in flooding of the streets and health related issue as
the refuse is left to decay without being evacuated. The provision of waste
disposal bin by the Port-Harcourt urban development Authority (PUDA) is really
inadequate and the removal of waste from the bin is ineffective because of lack
of sufficient evacuation trucks and man-power.
People’s
attitude towards the environment is also of concern. People must be oriented to
know the effects of indiscriminate disposal of waste. The need for people to
properly dispose their waste and always try to keep their environments clean.
This is why Odum (1975) asserted that in order to effectively and efficiently
handle waste management operations, every citizen should be made to understand
that basic ecological principles must be applied if man is to achieve and
maintain a symbiotic relationship with nature. A total of 207.3 tonnes of solid
waste was generated in Port Harcourt metropolis in 2010 (www.emeraldinsight.com/journals). Giving
a per capita annual waste generation rate of 0.53 tonnes equivalent to waste
generator rate of 1.45kg of waste per capita daily. Cartons accounted for 16.1
percent paper and food remnant had 14.4 percent and 26.6 percentage of total
waste (Ogbonna et.al 2011).
Other
forms of waste such as industrial and agricultural waste products data are hard
to come by. Automobile effluent is a big worry in the metropolis because of the
vehicles are not environmentally friendly as they emit poisonous gases such as
carbon monoxide, sulphur, nitrate, etc. which are detrimental to human health.
Because
of lack of appropriate data management, accurate figure of persons who have
suffered from health issues that can be traced to improper waste disposal
cannot be obtained from government Hospitals in the area. But issues such as
malaria, cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea cannot be disassociated with decomposed
waste matter. Waste could be seen around different spots in the metropolis. The
2011 budget by the Rivers State Government allocated 2.9 billion naira to the
ministry of environment. (www.riverstate.gov.ng).
which is directly responsible for supervising the Rivers State Environmental
Agency which is vested with the responsibility of waste management.
1.3 Significance
of the Study
The
purpose of this research is to study and reveal the negative impacts of the
problems of waste disposal in Port- Harcourt metropolis, and to suggest lasting
and sustainable solutions to the problems by making recommendations that will
help control the situation if adhered to. This study will be important to the government
to assist in the tackling of waste problems in the study area, and also useful
to upcoming researcher as it will serve as a source for future study.
Finally,
this study would bring ultimate benefit to improve the morals of citizens for
effective participation in environmental policies and programmes. This is
because when the morale of people is improved, it is equally expected that
their participation in such environmental activities is improved tremendously,
reflecting in their overall environmental consciousness
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The
major aim of this study is to evaluate the problems and prospects of waste
disposal in Port- Harcourt metropolis. In order to achieve this aim, the
following specific objectives would be considered;
1. To
determine the quantity of waste generated in the study area.
2. To
asses the attitude of people towards waste management.
3. To
assess the impact of indiscriminate waste dump on the socio- economic lives
respondents.
4. To
find out past and present measures (if any) to chech mate the menace of
indiscriminate waste dump in Port-Harcourt metropolis.
5. To
suggest possible methods to the observed problems.
1.5 Hypotheses
In
accordance with the research objectives, the following hypotheses are
formulated for testing in this study;
(1)
Ho: There is no significant
relationship between the volume of waste generated and the health condition of
the respondents.
Hi: There is a
significant relationship between the volume of waste generated and the health
condition of the respondents.
(2)
Ho: There is no
significant relationship between inadequate waste bins (silo bin) and indiscriminate
disposal of waste.
Hi: There is a
significant relationship between inadequate waste bins (silo bin) and
indiscriminate disposal of waste.
1.6 Study
Area
The
study area is Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt is one of the 23 local Governments
Areas and the capital city of Rivers State, Nigeria. Some of Port Harcourt’s
most popular and well known residential areas are Diobu, Borikirir, G.R.A phase
1-5, Port Harcourt township (Town), Amadi flats, Ogbunabali, Rumuola,
Rumuokwurishi, etc. Port Harcourt city is highly congested because it is the
only major city in the state.
Imbedded
within the city is the Rivers State University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) which
is located in Obio/Akpor, which was carved out of Port-Harcourt L.G.A for the
purpose of administrating alleviation. The growth of Port-Harcourt and its
region has been outstanding since its inception in terms of population and
space.
The
main industrial area is located in Trans-Amadi. The main city of Port Harcourt
is the Port- Harcourt city Local Government area, which consists of the former
European Quarters now called Old Government Reservation area (GRA) and new
layout areas. The Port- Harcourt metropolis is made up of the city itself and
parts of Obio/ Akpor Local Government area. Based on the number of its
inhabitants, Port Harcourt is ranked the fifth largest city in Nigeria.
Historically,
the Ikwere and Okrika villages occupied the surrounding area of Port Harcourt
city before 1913. Then, their major socio- economic occupation was mainly
farming and fishing. At present, urban growth has ushered in several socio economic
activities into the city such as trading (import/ export), exploration and oil
production, as well as craftsmanship and tourism, etc.
The
city of Port Harcourt is now synonymous for commerce, industry, mines and
agriculture. The population of Port Harcourt city (within its municipal
boundaries0 has risen from 7,000 residents in 1921 to more than 800,000 in 2006
(census 2006). The population of Port Harcourt is 1148665 according to the Geonames
geographical Database.
1.7 Location
Port
Harcourt city lies along the Bonny River which is located in the Niger Delta
and its co-ordinates. Longitude 7 50’E 8 00’E and latitude 4 45’00 n, 4 75’N. Being
the capital of Rivers State, it is situated at the southern tip of Nigeria, a
littoral state covering 10,379sq kilometers and bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
Port
Harcourt lies at the heart of the Niger Delta, one of the world’s riches
wetlands. It is bounded on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by
Anambra, Imo and Abia state, to the east by Akwa Ibom state and to the west by
Bayelsa and Delta States.
1.8 Historical Background of Port-Harcourt
Port-Harcourt
was founded in 1912 by the British in an area traditionally inhabited mostly by
the Ikwerre people, and Igbo subgroup. It was named after Lewis Vernon
Harcourt, secretary of the state of the colonies. The initial purpose of the
port was to export the coal which geologist Albert Ernest Kitson had discovered
in Enugu. In August 1913, the Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir Fredrick Lugard
wrote the Harcourt, the secretary of state for to colonies saying “In absence
of any convenient Local name, I would respectfully ask your permission to call
this port, Harcourt. In sight of this development, the secretary of the state
responds. “It gives me pleasure to accede to your suggestion that my name by
associated with the new port.”
Historically, the surrounding areas of port-Harcourt
city were inhabited by the indigenous Ikwerre and Okrika village people before,
1913. Then, the natives were rural and their major socio-economic occupation
was farming and fishing. Considering that the population was only 5,000 at the
inception of the city, the pressure on land was perhaps minimal (okoye 1975).
1.9 Population
The
population of port-Harcourt city (within its municipal boundaries) has risen
from 7,000 residents in 1921, to more than 800,000 in 2006 (census, 2006). The
population growth rate is estimated at 3.05% in 1996. The population of
port-Harcourt is estimated at 1,620,214 (2007) with the port-Harcourt urban area
at 2.7 million in population. The current population of port-Harcourt, Nigeria
is 1148665 according to the Geonames geographical database.
Population Growth Of Port-Harcourt City (1921-2008)
|
YEAR
|
POPULATION
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
1921
|
7185
|
0.0
|
|
1931
|
15020
|
10.9
|
|
1953
|
71634
|
17.1
|
|
1963
|
179563
|
15.1
|
|
1973
|
213443
|
1.9
|
|
1991
|
703416
|
121.8
|
|
2006
|
835332
|
1.3
|
Source:
National Population Commission (2006), Izeogu (1989).
1.10 Climate
Port-Harcourt
features a tropical heavy rainfall climate with lengthy and heavy rainfall
seasons, and very short dry season. Infact, it is assumed that, only the months
of December and January are truly qualified as dry season months in the city. Precipitation
is at its highest in the month of September where on an average approximately
370mm of rain is observed. While the month of December see an average in its driest
month of the year where 20mm of rain on average is seen.
The harmattan,
which climatically influences many cities in West Africa, is less pronounced,
and temperatures throughout the year in the city are relatively constant showing
little variation throughout the course of the year. Average temperature is
typically between 
c-
c in the city
c-c in the city
1.11 Transportation
Port-Harcourt
city is accessible through Local, regional, national and international means.
There are adequate transportation means via road network and inland water ways,
bringing people in and out of the city. Available mediums are air and sea
transportation. With the aid of international airport and two seaports that
enhances the importation and exportation of goods and services.
1.12 Socio-economic
Activities of the People
Historically,
the Ikwerre and Okrika villages occupied the surrounding area of port-Harcourt
city before 1913. Then, their major socio-economic occupation was mainly
farming and fishing. At present, urban growth has ushered in several
socio-economic activities into the city, such as trading (import/export), transportation
(land, water and air), exploration and oil production, as well as,
craftsmanship and tourism, ect. The city of port-Harcourt is now synonymous for
commerce, industry, mines and agriculture.
Port-Harcourt
is the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry with virtually all major multi-national
oil companies being represented there until recently owing to security threats
from Nigeria Delta militants and cultists. The economic activities of
port-Harcourt include, manufacturing such as food producing, car assembly, manufacture
of paper products, paints, petroleum products, refinery and road construction,
metal works and cement making, enamelware, bicycles, furniture, and shop
making. Services include legal services, hospitality, medical, educational and
engineering services, extractive industries, also exist such as mining of coal,
tin and petroleum, oil and gas liquefaction.
Also
agricultural and agro based businesses exist in the city. Some of which are
logging and timber processing, tobacco processing and cigarette making, plastic
moulding and the manufacturing of rubber based products like tyres, bands, tube
and glassmaking. Imports are mainly automobile, electronics, textiles and
processed food. Sometimes rice, millet, meat and other agricultural produce are
imported as well.
The
numerous small scale enterprises like consumer retailing, artisanship and
transportation businesses also thrive in the city. Various government organs
such as the Nigerian ports Authority, NNPC and the customs play various regulatory
roles in the Local economy.
CHAPTER TWO
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW.
2.1 Theoretical
Framework
2.1.1 Population,
Resource, Pollution (P.R.P) Model.
POPULATION
↓
RESOURCE
↓
POPULATION
Fig.1 Diagram of the
p.r.p model
In
the study of waste management, there are several models, and conceptual
postulates. This research work shall focus on just one among these conceptual
postulates such as the P.R.P (population, research, pollution) model. The idea
of waste generation and problems posed by this waste in our cities is not for
fetched from population explosion, resource demand and pollution. In an attempt
to study waste problem, the P.R.P model was formulated which slows the
relationship between population, resource and pollution .this model connects
resource use with the environment population in terms of waste generated. As
more people move to an urban area, either from birth or migration, population
increases leading to high demand of resource to stay alive, and as such ,a
negative feedback is reached with increase in the number of waste generation.
the P.R.P mode says that human population acquires and uses resources from the
environment and that these activities have negative impact on the environment,
attiring the biotic and biotic condition.
2.1.2 Concept of Sustainable Development
As defined by the Bruntland commission in its
1987 report “our common future” as a process of meeting the need of the present
generation likewise not jeopardizing the needs of the future generation (world
development report 1992) the word was first used in the world conservation
strategy (IUCN1980). It stressed sustainability in ecological terms and was for
less concerned with economic development.
NEST(1992)
further elaborated that ,it is a process in which the exploitation of
resources, direction of investment, the orientation of technological
development, the development of waste and institution change are all in harmony
and enhances both current and future potentials to meet human need and
aspiration. This concept however proved difficult for many to operate, on the
approximate point on where to draw in certain between resource use and
resources protection. In essence, the vision of
sustainable development as set out in the Bruntland report is for policies
which recognize the need for economic growth without base.
It
is argued that sustainable development in terms of waste management at a global
level could only be achieved through major changes in the ways which our urban centres
are managed. Man rice coinage of term “eco development at the united nations
conference on the environment may prove lucid, as starting point towards
operationalizing this concept (Bisong, 1994).
The
concept as elaborated by mites (1983) is set at capturing the basic
characteristic of a new philosophy towards societal development. He advocates
that development should be based on the recognition of the importance of the
linkage between the objective of development audits various contexts. For
instance, the urban center and the rule of waste generated are taken into
consideration. Miles rested on the assumption that the development of one
person, group, country or whatever to its own good. That development must be
sustainable either from within or from its development environment. Thus, any
damage done to an environment at any given time is acceptable only if there is
both knowledge of how the capacities of the environment will be restored and
intention to restore them. This concept highlighted above linked waste disposal
and sustainable management of those wastes in our urban centre which focuses
primarily on the correction or cure of waste problems in urban centres.
This
is achieved through proper treatment and disposal of waste to help mitigate the
effect of creating environment al unsound situation, rather than prevention
with the above means.There is a compelling need for resource recovery because
of the high cost of raw materials to a new direction which is waste prevention,
minimization, or avoidance which is achievable by changing the present waste
disposal method, so as to ensure a sustainable management of waste generated by
our urban centre’s.
2.2 Literature
Review
To
show that this research work is not isolated, a number of literatures are
reviewed. Different contributions gathered from different authors are presented
below for easy reference.
2.2.1 Concept
of Solid Waste
Waste
is anything that has lost its value, and the by-product of the processed
product. According to Allaby (1988) waste is any substance, be it solid,
liquid, or gaseous, that remains as residue or an incidental by- product of a
substance, and for which no other use can be found by the organism or system
that produced it.
Gilpin
(1976) also describe it as a material of solid or semi-solid character, which
the processor no longer consider sufficient to retain. Odoche (1994) and Wagner
(1995) said, solid wastes are materials which are generated as a result of
normal operation over which we have control in term of their production disposal
or discharge. He asserted that one waste here may become a feedback or raw
material elsewhere. This is why there have been christened scavengers.
Sule
(2001) asserted that most uncontrolled and poorly managed waste are found in
fast growing capital cities of the world especially in developing countries where
population is always on the increase. He also stated that the problems of the
solid waste is not familiar but assume global gargantuan dimensions. In recent
years leading to environmental degradation pollution and imbalance, epidemics
and diseases, decline in urban quality and fiscal spending on solid waste
generation and management. However, many authorities in the field of solid
waste have shown that solid waste generation problem and management is not only
a social behaviors, but also socio-economic and cultural factors associated
with them. These include population growth, urbanization, technological
advancement and improvement in the standard of living. Sule (2001) in an
empirical study carried out in calabar, pointed out that during the past two
decades in Nigeria, urban centre have continued to grow in terms of population
and to expand in size. Despite this growth, there has been no effect until
recently to control and manage the cities. He also observed that increase in
population combined with impact of good salary review has led to rising level
of consumption. He further stated that the consequences is increased in
degradation in the generation of waste and has resulted in degradation in the
city land scape and unhealthy living condition.
Obot,
AnimaShaun and Fayose (2002), observed that the improper disposal of refuse and
waste constitute serious environmental health problems to residents within the
vicinity. The phenomenon can escalate the outbreak of different kinds of
epidemics.
According
to Aina (1995), the polluted ground water can affect food chain, health and
human environment. She stressed that both women and children are victims of
pollution and that over 40,000 children die from disease and other epidemic
everyday due to poor waste disposal.
Sule
(2004), confirmed that solid waste disposal constitute the major urban
environmental paralysis, a clog in the wheel of progress in terms of urban
environmental purity and sanitation. He talked about waste as an environmental
disaster and aesthetic decay.
2.2.2 Sources of Waste
Wastes
are complex on nature depending on sources of generation and the environmental
status of the waste. Waste may be classified according to its origin or
sources, physical form or morph metric, or according to physiochemical
properties. Oyediran (1997) has identified the following sources of waste which
include;
-
Domestic/municipal solid waste
-
Agricultural waste
-
Industrial waste
-
Commercial waste
-
Miscellaneous waste
According to Udofia and Asikong
(2005), waste could be bio-degradable and non biodegradable. The biodegradable
wastes are those domestic wastes which include food remains, garden, paper, etc
which can easily be decomposed by microbes, while the non-biodegradable wastes are wastes that
cannot easily decompose and are non combustible in nature. These include metals,
glass, ceramics, stones, nails, etc.
However,
of all the various sources of waste, attention in waste disposal is devoted to
municipal solid waste, because it is highly visible and must therefore be
collected, transported to dump sites at all cost. Wastes are complex in
nature depending on the source of generation
which gives rise to a large variety of different types of waste arising from
the above listed sources. These include the domestic waste, industrial waste, agricultural
waste and commercial waste. Domestic wastes are waste generated from domestic
activities such as cooking, garbage, most especially from homes.
Industrial
wastes are by-products from industrial processes. Some of these materials are
made up of hazardous material that contains a large volume of toxic substances
like cyanides, pesticides lead compound, mercury, etc. They vary depending on
the nature of manufacturing. Waste from plant industry often comes from mixing
tanks, filling equipment, cleaning of floor. Agabi (1995) .
Agricultural
wastes are waste materials that emanate from farm activities which include run.
Off of pesticides. Discarded farming tools, weed from farm lands, to mention
but a few. Commercial waste which come from commercial activities such as
marketing place, departmental of glossary stores, offices, commercial parks,
etc.
2.2.3 Waste
Management Methods
Waste
management is a comprehensive, integrated and rational system approach towards
the achievement and maintenance of acceptable environment quality. Fred (2004),
Modern method of waste dispose has emerged in response to the recognition of
environmental impact of uncontrolled waste disposal. Ekpoh (2009), as simple
dumping and burning of waste is no longer fashionable because of the
environment and health concern.
The
untraceable nature of waste disposal in most of the Nigerian cities required
the knowledge of expertise on urban planning and environmental engineers, who
are charged with the mortal responsibilities of assigning different land use to
appropriate measures capable of reducing the volume of waste before
transportation to the incinerator or landfill site. Agunwamba (2003), basically
there are various methods of waste management, these include incineration,
sanitary land fill, recycling, open dump, etc.
Incineration
is a process where combustible wastes are burned at temperature high enough
(900-1000`c or 2650-1830`f) to consume all combustible materials, leaving only
ash and non-combustibles to be disposed off in a land fill. Under ideal
condition, incineration may reduce the volume of waste by.75% to 95%, modern
incineration method has electrostatic precipitators, dual scrubbers and filter
to reduce the volume of waste to at least 99% of most organic materials (anger
and least smith 1998).
Burning
waste causes irritation of respiratory tract, aggravated asthma, contributes to
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute/ chronic respiratory disease. The
healthy people experience shortness of breath, sore throats, and breathing
difficulties, dizziness, headaches, etc. It is responsible for fluids collection
in the lungs and fibrotic changes, growth effects DNA, immune and reproductive
system.
Land
fill process is designed to concentrate and contain refuse without creating a
nuisance or hazard to public health or safety, (Daniel and keller 1995). The
idea is to confine the waste, reduce it to the smallest volume and cover with
compacted soil to prevent insects, rodents, seagulls, and avoid ground water
percolation.
The
open dumping method is the most common and widely used in development
countries. It involves dumping of the waste in a designated sport which is
uncovered. Ekpoh (2003), open dumps are unsanitary, unsightly and generally
smelly, with foul odour as they attract rats, insects, flies, snakes, etc.
Composting
is a biochemical process in which organic materials such as lawn clipping and
Kitchen scraps decompose to a rich solid like material. It is a process of
rapid, partial decomposition of moist solid organic waste by aerobic organisms.
This is a popular technique in Europe and Asia, where intensive farming
centre’s a demand for the compost. It involves the use of natural microbial
organism to decompose the organic fraction of waste. Composting is aerobic and
produces primarily carbon dioxide, while anaerobic processes produce methane.
Such gas contributes to global warming.
Recycling
is the reprocessing of discarded material into new, useful product; the
ultimate objective is to reduce the amount of waste that must be disposed in
landfill or incinerator. It is a way of refilling or re-using of old material
that may be considered useless, that has no further use by the consumers, or
example, old aluminum cans and glasses bottles are usually melted and recast
into new cans and bottles.
2.2.4 Problems
of Waste Disposal
The
deterioration of the Nigerian urban environment in terms of irresponsible
dumping and accumulated solid waste is most apparent in our growing cities
today. The dehumanizing effects of these circumstances in our urban lives and
blighted environment have often been cited and noted as contributing causes of
the Nigerian urban decay, (Asuquo, 1979).
From
the United Nations statistics, world population reached 6.1 billion with an
annual growth rate of 1.2 percent of about 77 million people per year. Evidence
of the increase in population is reflected in poor house, slums and squatter
settlement with an estimate of over 750 million people living in urban area.
This growth in human population gives rise to mountainous heaps of waste which
characterizes our cities and towns, like that of Nairobi of Kenya, Mexico of
Mexico city, Lagos of Nigeria etc.
As population increases, as more
people move to this few primate cities in search of better life, the generation
and disposal of waste becomes a major public issue effecting both health and
the aesthetic value of urban centre Oldnira (1995), argued that one of the
major environmental health problems facing Nigerian especially in the major
cities is poor waste management. Edu (2003) stated that waste is the greatest
physical problem that persistently poses a grave challenge to man on earth. The
indiscriminate dumping of waste along streets, market places, residential axis
in Port-Harcourt constitutes nuisance which causes serious health hazard, as
dumping leads to percolation to pollute ground water supplies, breeding ground
for such annoying and disease bearing organisms, such as rats, cockroaches,
flies, etc.
Uchegbu (1998), in his words said man
unguided development and ineffective solid waste management in urban centres of
Nigeria has resulted to urban degradation and outbreak of diseases like
cholera, malaria, typhoid, bronchial disorders, etc.
Udo
(2003), has observed that decomposed waste emits carbondioxide (CO2)
methane gas (ch4), which enhances global warning white nitrite and
nitrate emission causes health hazard such as carcinogenic and mutagenic
nitrosamines. Refuse dumps serves as breeding places for disease causing
organism such as rats and flies which are major disease vectors associated with
garbage. Rats are known to be involved in the spread of bubonic plagues to
humans. Rats may contaminate food with their urine transmitting leptospirosis
and infective hepatitis. They can transmit salmonella and other infecting organisms
(Odiete 1993).
The
problem with waste disposal is multi-facet in nature, as most of our cities
have been overtaken by mountainous heaps of refuse on roadway, streets, and
drainages. This phenomenon can be traced to several factors that includes poor
institution framework for waste management by the government, inherent rural
attitude of most urban dwellers, poor state of public infrastructure and high
urban poverty among others, (okpechi 2007).
In
port-Harcourt, the issue surrounding waste disposal is annoying. Waste are
indiscriminately dumped on the streets, drain ages, backyards. This becomes a
major problem as the aesthetic nature of the place is reduced. Waste obstructs
traffic and even lead to accident especially at night when visibility is poor.
Indiscriminate dumping of waste along mile one (1) axis of Diobu, leads to
flooding during the raining season, as well as property loss.
Inadequate
funding is another important factor militating or acting as a major problem of
waste disposal. The cost of labour, purchase and maintenances of vehicles
involved in the collection and disposal of waste has risen so high that many
sanitation agencies are already finding it difficult to collect and properly
dispose all the collected wastes, (Agunwanba, 2003). It was in this contaxt
that Uchegbu (1988), argued that the
problem of waste disposal in our cities has gone beyond individuals and communual
effect, and therefore charges the government to be more committed in making our
cities safe and habitable for all.
Mabogunje (1974), pointed out that solid waste
problem in emerging urban centres in Nigeria is a consequence of drastic change
occurring from rural habits, norms and values of the people to those of urban
civilization. As most people residing in the cities still patronize their bad
habit of backyard dumping. He later argued that they are related to lack of
public awareness and enlightenments.
2.2.5 Prospect
of Our Environment
In
view of a prospective solution to any of the above mentioned problems, their
effects, causes and nature which include urban decay. Akintola (1978), demands
first an understanding of its intrinsic nature. Various scholars have attempted
the cause of our deteriorating urban cities like Turner (1969), Abraham (1978).
Elisabeth Dowdewell UNEP officer said
that “the right to health is an extension to the right of life”. As
environmental conservation and management lies solely in human responsibility.
According to principle one (1) of the UNEP resolution(1992), “humans are
entitled to a healthy environment in harmony with nature”. In order to ensure
an effective waste management and sanitation, both urban dwellers and
government should come together to maintain a legal and institutional workable
framework for waste disposal and management.
Therefore, a clear understanding depends
not so much on the intrinsic nature of realities of the physical environment as
objective science would prove them to be, but rather on what man have imagined
or conceived in regard to influence around him (Ebong and Bassey, 2004).
Therefore, a clear understanding of the cognitive imperative and behavior of
people constitute a prerequisite for effective waste disposal vis-a-vis
management.
Additionally, a clear understanding that man’
is an inseparable part of the environmental system constituting his culture and
biophysical, equally serving as an “invisible guiding hand” regulating the
relationship between man and the aesthetic and hygienic status of his
environment, (Stepp and Swan 1970).
In view of a prospective future for
waste management in the study area,
a. Government should own refuse incinerators
or landfills (located outside the cities) for proper management of final
disposal sites.
b. Award for most decent cities or layouts
could be instituted to encourage the spirit of competition among residents.
c. Environmental education should be
introduced into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools. Together with
sustained public enlightenment and awareness campaigns that are aimed at
sensitizing the citizens to imbibe clean and healthy habits for high
environmental quality.
d. The wages paid to refuse disposal staff
should be made attractive so that the labourers can take greater interest in
their jobs and pay more attention to fitness in the evacuation and
transportation of waste.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Type
of data
The
following are the type of data for this study
(i) Source
of waste generation
(ii) Categories
of solid waste in port-Harcourt metropolis.
(iii)
Various method of waste disposal by the
people
(iv)
Data on effect of solid waste on the people
(v) The
frequency of the collection of waste by waste
management
agency.
(vi)
Facilities used by the agency for waste
collection.
(vii)
Data on the type of labour (trained or
untrained).
(viii)
Data on financing the management of waste
3.2 Source
of Data
The
data used for this research work were from two (2) sources. They are primary
and secondary sources. The primary data for this study was obtained using various
techniques. Such as, questionnaire administration, fieldwork survey and oral
interview with the respondents.
The
secondary sources were obtained from the library, resource room and available
literatures. The secondary sources include research projects, text books, and
unpublished books from the internet about the problems of waste management,
journals about the effects of waste disposal. However, this research work took
advantage of the above data sources to form and effective research work.
3.3
Method of Data Collection
The methods used for data collection
involved the primary source (oral interview, questionnaire administration) and
secondary source (text books, research projects, unpublished books from the
internet, and journals about the effects of waste disposal). Reconnaissance
survey was also done in the process of data collection so as to generate more
information for the research work. A close-ended questionnaire was used with
not more than four (4) options which covered my objectives, hypotheses and
bio-data of the questionnaire which contains personal data.
In
each of the six (6) districts (Diobu, Garrision, Marine-Base, Old G.R.A,
Borikiri, Rumuola), Twenty (20) questionnaires were administered to the
selected streets. This formed a total of 120 respondents in the six (6)
districts. The first house was selected at the beginning of each street and the
next two houses were skipped before the fourth house was also sampled. This
stratified random sampling pattern was carried out on both sides of the street.
Data from each respondent was gotten through the administration of
questionnaire and oral interview.
3.4
Method of Data Analysis
The composition
will be analyzed in relation to the various land uses in the study area. Use of
tables, pie chart and histogram is also employed for the data analysis and
presentation. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were employed in the
data analysis.
Descriptively, data will be described
using tables, maps, frequencies, and measures of central tendency. The
inferential statistical tool used in analyzing the data collection from the
field is Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation which was used to test for two hypotheses.
The first hypothesis was to test for the significant relationship between the
volume of waste generated and the health condition of the respondents. To test
for this, two questions were drafted into the questionnaire (to know the size
of waste collection in the area and to know how often they treat health
problems relating to indiscriminate disposal of waste in the area) to obtain
data used for testing the hypothesis.
The
second hypothesis was to test for the significant relationship between
inadequate waste bin (silo bin) and indiscriminate disposal of waste. This was
also carried out by drafting two questions into the questionnaire (to know the
number of waste bin and factors leading to indiscriminate disposal of waste in
the area) to derive data used for testing this hypothesis.
3.5 Population
of the Study
It is usually not possible for a
researcher to interview the entire population of the area. The population of
port-Harcourt city (within it municipal boundaries) has risen from 7,000
residents in 1921, to more than 800,000 in 2006 (census, 2006). The total
household was one-sixth (1/6) of the total population which is 133,333
households, since six (6) people made a household. It is a heterogeneous
population consisting of male, female, indigenes and non-indigenes, students,
public and private works, traders, residing in different areas and streets in
port-Harcourt metropolis.
3.6 Sampling
Technique
In order to study waste disposal in
port-Harcourt, the stratified random sampling technique was applied base on the
division of the study area. The districts include Diobu, Garrison, Marine-Base,
Old G.R.A, Borikiri, Rumuola. In the study area, the streets were selected
randomly (picking six(6) piece of papers out of many in a bag) through
observation of the most affected streets. In each of these streets, households
were chosen using stratified random sampling. The first house was selected at
the beginning of each street and the next two houses were skipped before the
fourth was also sampled. This method was applied on both parts of the streets.
In each of the six(6) districts, 20
questionnaires were administered to the selected streets. Data about each
respondent was gotten through the administered questionnaire. This formed a
total of 120 respondents in the six (6) districts. The content of the
respondents, the factors of indiscriminate waste disposal in port-Harcourt
metropolis, the method of waste disposal, the environmental and health problems
caused by indiscriminate waste dump in
port-Harcourt metropolis and the role of Government and other waste management
agencies in port-Harcourt metropolis. This method of sampling technique was
adopted to ensure that a large percentage of the population is represented and
fairly sampled accordingly.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF
FINDINGS
This
chapter deals with data presentation, analysis and discussion of findings. The
data obtained through the administration of questionnaires on the problems and
prospects of waste disposal in Port- Harcourt metropolis, would be analyzed
using graphics and illustrations such as tables, histograms, pie-charts,
frequencies and percentages. For testing of hypothesis, Pearson’s Product
Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) would be used.
4.1
Data presentation and analysis
Table 4.1: category of solid waste
generated in the study area.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE (%)
|
|
Municipal/ Domestic waste
|
88
|
73.33
|
|
Industrial waste
|
-
|
-
|
|
Commercial waste
|
30
|
25
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
2
|
1.67
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
TABLE
4.1 and fig 4.1.1 shows that municipal, domestic waste was mostly generated in
the study area with 73.33% (88) of the respondents confirming it, while 25%
(30) of the respondent are of the view that commercial waste is mostly
generated in the area. 1.67% (2) respondents agreed it was miscellaneous waste,
while non agreed it was industrial waste because industries weren’t seen around
the since the study area (districts) is filled with residential and commercial
land uses.
TABLE 4.2: People who have waste dump
(silo bin) around the street.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
YES
|
90
|
75
|
|
NO
|
30
|
25
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
The
data in table 4.2 and fig. 4.2.1 shows that 75% (90) of the respondents had
waste bins (silo bins) around their streets, while 25% (30) of the respondents
did not have waste bin in their streets. This is because some areas like Diobu, Marine base and
Borikiri lacked waste dump (silo bins).
Fig. 4.2.1
TABLE 4.3 Size of waste collected in
streets of the study area.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
300./tones
|
23
|
19.16
|
|
500m/tones
|
49
|
40.83
|
|
100m/tones
|
10
|
8.33
|
|
1000,& above tones
|
38
|
31.66
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
Table
4.3 and fig. 4.3.1 shows the size of waste collected in the streets of the
study area. 40.83% (49) of the respondents agreed 500 metric tones, 31.66% (38)
of the respondents confirmed 1000m and above tones. While 19.16 % (23) and 8.33
% (10) went for 300m/ tones and 100m/ tones respectively.
Table 4.4 : How often is waste disposed
from your home daily.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
Once
|
99
|
82.5
|
|
Twice
|
15
|
12.5
|
|
Thrice
|
4
|
3.33
|
|
Four or more
|
2
|
1.67
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
The
data in table 4.4 and fig 4.4.1 shows the duration in which waste is being
disposed daily. 82.5 % (99) of the respondents dispose their waste once daily,
12.5% (15) dispose their waste twice daily 3.33% (4) of the respondents dispose
their waste three times daily, and 1.67%
(2) went for four times or more daily.
Table 4.5: Number of waste bins found in
that location
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
1
|
44
|
36.6
|
|
2
|
39
|
32.5
|
|
3
|
22
|
18.33
|
|
4 and above
|
15
|
12.5
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
Table 4.5 and fig. 4.5.1 shows that 36.67% (44) of the
respondents opined its one (1), while 32.5% (39) agreed two (2). 18.33% agreed
three (3), and 12.5% of the respondent confirmed 4 and above.
Table 4.6: Appropriate dumping of waste
in the waste bins.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
YES
|
92
|
76.67
|
|
NO
|
28
|
23.33
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
Table
4.6 and fig. 4.6.1 describes the appropriate dumping of waste in the waste
bins. 76.67% (92) agreed that waste is dumped appropriately in the waste bins,
while 23.33% (28) of the respondents disagreed.
Fig. 4.6.1
Table 4.7: Factors leading to
inappropriate disposal of waste.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
%
|
|
No waste bins
|
23
|
19.17
|
|
Waste bins are
always filled up
|
38
|
31.66
|
|
High number of
persons using the same bin
|
54
|
45
|
|
Others specify
|
5
|
4.17
|
|
Total
|
120
|
100
|
This
table shows the factors that lead to inappropriate dumping of waste. 45% (54)
of the respondents agreed that it is because of high number of persons using
same bin as a means of waste disposal. 31.66% (38) agreed that waste bins are
always filled up leading to overflow of waste and causes indiscriminate
disposal of waste. 19.17% (23) of the respondents said they don’t have waste
bins, while 4.17% (5) of the respondents agreed to other causes that lead to
inappropriate dumping of waste.
TABLE 4.8: Amount of money spent on
waste evacuation.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
(%)
|
|
500
|
34
|
28.33
|
|
1000
|
44
|
36.67
|
|
2000
|
24
|
20
|
|
specify
|
18
|
15
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
This
data shows that 36.7 %( 44) spend 1,000 (one thousand Naira) on waste
evacuation mostly by private waste disposal companies. 28.33% (34) of the
respondents said they spend 500 (Five hundred Naira) to dispose their waste. It
is done by employing the services of Hausa boys/men to dispose their waste. 20%
(24) of the respondents agreed to spending 2,000 (two thousand Naira) to
private owned waste disposal companies to dispose their amounts ranging from
100 (a hundred naira) to 5,000 (five thousand Naira).
TABLE 4.9: Health problems as a result
of indiscriminate waste dump.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Malaria
|
55
|
45.83
|
|
Cholera
|
10
|
8.33
|
|
Dysentery
|
7
|
5.83
|
|
Typhoid
|
48
|
40
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
Table 4.9 and fig. 4.9.1 shows the
health problems encountered by the people of this study area, as a result of
indiscriminate waste dump. 45.83% (55) of the respondents opined that its
malaria, 40% (48) agreed it was typhoid, while 8.33% (10) said it was cholera
and 5.83% (7) went for dysentery.
Table 4.10: Number of times health
problem is being treated.
|
RESPONSE
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Once a week
|
17
|
14.16
|
|
Twice a week
|
10
|
8.33
|
|
Monthly
|
56
|
46.67
|
|
Twice a month
|
37
|
30.83
|
|
TOTAL
|
120
|
100
|
