1.1 Introduction
Public dumpsite management refers to the systematic processes involved in the collection, transportation, disposal, treatment, and monitoring of solid waste in designated locations for the purpose of protecting human health and the environment. A public dumpsite is a formally or informally designated area where municipal solid waste is deposited, often serving as the final disposal point for household, commercial, and sometimes industrial waste generated within a community (Ogola, Chimuka, & Tshivhase, 2011). The increasing rate of urbanization and population growth has significantly intensified the challenge of solid waste management across many cities in developing countries. As consumption patterns expand and waste generation increases, existing waste management systems often become overstretched and inefficient. In many cases, public dumpsites are poorly planned and inadequately maintained, lacking essential facilities such as liners, leachate control systems, and gas management structures (Amasuomo & Baird, 2016).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Management of public dumpsites is a critical aspect of urban waste management and environmental sustainability. According to Ogola, Chimuka, and Tshivhase (2011), public dumpsites are designated areas for the disposal of municipal solid waste where collection, transportation, and disposal practices are carried out. They reported that in many developing countries, these sites often lack proper infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and technical management systems, resulting in widespread environmental and public health challenges. Poorly managed dumpsites, they asserted, contribute significantly to air, water, and soil pollution due to the uncontrolled decomposition of organic waste and improper handling of hazardous substances.
It has been stated that the proximity of residential areas to public dumpsites exacerbates the risk of health hazards. Giusti (2009) affirmed that residents living close to such dumpsites are often exposed to disease vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, and rodents, which thrive in unmanaged waste environments. These vectors are associated with the transmission of diseases including malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The author also contended that inadequate waste management contributes to the contamination of surface and groundwater, as leachate from dumpsites seeps into the soil, affecting domestic water sources used by nearby residents.
Henry, Yongsheng, and Jun (2006) reported that the improper management of dumpsites has socio-economic implications for communities. They asserted that property values around dumpsites decline, while residents experience social stigma due to environmental degradation. Furthermore, livelihoods, particularly small-scale trading and agricultural activities, are negatively affected by pollution and soil degradation resulting from unregulated waste disposal. These socio-economic challenges often go hand-in-hand with environmental and health issues, making comprehensive management strategies crucial for sustainable urban development.
According to Amasuomo and Baird (2016), several challenges impede effective public dumpsite management, including inadequate funding, weak institutional coordination, limited technical capacity, and low public awareness on proper waste disposal practices. They stated that, while policy frameworks and environmental regulations exist, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing indiscriminate dumping and open burning of waste to persist. On the other hand, inadequate community engagement and education about the health and environmental risks of poor waste management further exacerbate the situation.
Reportedly, efforts to improve dumpsite management have yielded limited success in most urban centers of developing countries. Giusti (2009) contended that sustainable management requires not only infrastructure and policy interventions but also active participation of local communities in waste reduction, segregation, and proper disposal practices. Affirming this, World Health Organization (2018) stated that effective waste management directly influences the health outcomes of residents and the overall quality of urban living. This study is set against the backdrop that this study seeks to examine the management of public dumpsites and assess its effects on residents living in close proximity to these sites.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the waste disposal practices at public dumpsites are characterized by open dumping, uncontrolled burning, and the absence of proper segregation, treatment, and monitoring systems, which collectively contribute to environmental degradation and declining quality of life for nearby residents (Ogola, Chimuka, & Tshivhase, 2011).
In addition to health implications, ineffective dumpsite management is a major contributor to environmental pollution and urban aesthetic decline. The presence of unregulated dumpsites often leads to blocked drainage channels, increased flooding during the rainy season, and the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane due to the decomposition of organic waste (Amasuomo & Baird, 2016).
Furthermore, poorly managed public dumpsites is associated with the release of offensive odors, the proliferation of disease vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, and rodents, and the contamination of air, soil, and water resources. Leachate from dumpsites is a major source of groundwater pollution, especially in areas where residents rely on shallow wells and boreholes for domestic water supply (World Health Organization, 2018). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the management of public dumpsites and its effect on residents.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of public dumpsite management on the environmental, health, and socio-economic conditions of residents.
The specific objectives of the study include:
- To evaluate the socio-economic implications of public dumpsites on residents' livelihoods and property values.
- To assess the environmental impacts of poorly managed dumpsites on surrounding communities.
- To examine the existing waste management practices at public dumpsites.
- To investigate the health effects of dumpsite proximity on residents.
- To provide recommendations for improving public dumpsite management in Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the existing waste management practices at public dumpsites?
- How do poorly managed dumpsites affect the environment in surrounding communities?
- What are the health impacts of living near public dumpsites?
- How do public dumpsites affect the socio-economic conditions of residents?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve public dumpsite management in Nigeria?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between public dumpsite management and the health, environmental, and socio-economic conditions of residents.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between public dumpsite management and the health, environmental, and socio-economic conditions of residents.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will inform policymakers, environmental planners, and community leaders on strategies for improving waste management. Also, health practitioners and community leaders will benefit from this knowledge as it will inform targeted health interventions and preventive measures that protect residents from waste-related illnesses.
Furthermore, environmental planners and urban development authorities will use this information to design sustainable waste management strategies that minimize pollution and preserve natural resources. The study will also serve as a resource for community members, raising awareness about their role in proper waste disposal and promoting collective responsibility for maintaining clean and safe environments.
Lastly, the research will fill existing gaps in knowledge regarding the relationship between public dumpsite management and residents' well-being. Scholars, students, and researchers will find the findings useful for further studies, policy analyses, and environmental management projects, creating a foundation for continued inquiry and improvement in urban waste management practices.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on public dumpsite management and its effect on residents in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on major dumpsites within densely populated urban communities.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Public Dumpsite:
According to Ogola, Chimuka, and Tshivhase (2011), a public dumpsite is a designated area where municipal solid waste is disposed of, either officially or unofficially, often serving as the final point of waste collection.
Waste Management:
Amasuomo and Baird (2016) stated that waste management is the systematic collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste to minimize adverse effects on the environment and human health.
Leachate:
Giusti (2009) reported that leachate is the liquid formed when water filters through waste materials, carrying dissolved or suspended pollutants into the soil and water sources.
Environmental Impact:
Henry, Yongsheng, and Jun (2006) asserted that environmental impact refers to the effect of human activities, such as waste disposal, on air, water, and soil quality.
Socio-Economic Impact:
The term refers to the influence of environmental conditions, such as proximity to a dumpsite, on residents' livelihoods, property values, and social well-being (World Health Organization, 2018).
Residents:
Individuals living in close proximity to public dumpsites who are directly affected by environmental, health, and social conditions resulting from waste management practices.
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