A RAPID HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN DAM

Abstract

Many Dams have been constructed in different parts of the world and for different purposes. While these dams have in most cases served the reason for their construction, the resultant environmental impact have been a subject of concern. The creation of a reservoir not only changes the ecology and hydrology of the environment, the lives of nearby residents is also affected. This study assessed the impact of the University of Ilorin Dam on the health condition of the University community. The Dam was built for the main purpose of water supply to university community. Data on the water related disease reported and documented at the university clinic was obtained to cover pre and post construction period while the perception and behavioral pattern of the community as related to water and sanitation was studied with the help of a structured questionnaire. The chi-squared test was applied to establish that a relationship do exist between the dam construction and the occurrence of some diseases especially Malaria. The study have also shown that the dam imposes no significant negative health impact on the university community. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i1.28