APPRAISAL OF ON-SITE SANITATION FACILITIES AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN AKURE MUNICIPALITY, NIGERIA

Abstract

Public places within Nigeria are ever humming with tremendous activity and accordingly reflecting growth and development of the host cities. The ensuing channelization demands of these centres calls for apposite sanitation to enhancing efficient operation and utilization. This study was undertaken to assess the present status of onsite sanitation facilities in public places within Akure, to trace problems related to sanitation and solid waste management. Logical sampling methods were used to sample the users and passers-by of selected public places. Primary data were acquired from scrutinizing sanitation facilities, employing questionnaire, and interviewing the chief players- drivers and traders- in these centres. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained from both primary and secondary sources were employed for this study. Survey facts were analyzed using descriptive statistical method while Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was further utilized in results analysis. The outcomes showed existing sanitary facilities are insufficient to match the populace, and a poor maintenance of these facilitates credited to unavailability of dedicated management staff coupled with flawed maintenance and monitoring by local authorities. This is occasioned by lower than normal patronage. Further, the general experience of the respondent with regard to these facilities were rather unpleasant. Combating strategies to the established challenges in the selected centres are active governmental involvement in restructuring these places in conformity with standard requirements; community support programs, and a supervisory team routinely overseeing the reliability and development of sanitation facilities.