A Geo-Spatial Approach for Solid Waste Dumpsites for Sustainable Development in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ineffective solid waste management constitutes a major environmental problem in urban areas, Minna, Nigeria inclusive. This study analysed the spatial patterns of waste dump sites and the health hazards associated with the observed patterns. Also, the study identified possible areas at risk of health hazards; suggests the most suitable location for dump sites and sorting centers for municipal solid wastes; and provides a framework for sustainable solid waste management in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The data used for this study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source involved the use of GPS receiver to obtain the coordinates of dump sites and pictorial evidence were taken with a digital camera showing open dumps. Also, a set of 144 questionnaires were used to obtain information about people's perception of solid waste disposal and management. The secondary data used included the IKONOS image of Minna with 3.2m resolution in multispectral was obtained from Google earth in July 2010. The spatial analyses of the phenomena of interest were done on the basis of the 13 existing administrative districts in the town. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents to the questionnaires used for the study. The Google earth satellite imagery was zoomed to a satisfactory resolution and the areas of interest were clipped using corel draw and then joined together through mosaicing. Thereafter, the required remote sensing, GIS and cartographic operations were performed. Results show that there were 31 major dumpsites in Minna which are situated within built-up areas mostly along major roads and watercourses. The proximity analysis based on the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) used at distances 1000m, 500m and 250m showed that built-up areas, major roads, and watercourses fall within buffer range to dumpsites. The identified built-up areas within a distance of 1000m to dumpsites location showed that Bosso Estate, Myper, Dutsen kuran, Western by pass, Maitunbi, Tunga, Chanchanga, Shango, Kpakungun, Sokakahuta are at risk of possible environmental problems. Buffering analysis also revealed that Rivers Bako, Sauke and Gora were within a distance of 500m to dumpsites and is therefore at risk of pollution by the dumpsite constituents. In addition, 1000m buffering analysis showed that Paiko Road, Western by pass, Eastern by pass, and Zungeru Road are prone to littering by dumpsite constituents when aided by wind or human. These major roads are also liable to the risk of incinerator smoke which hampers the visibility of road users as shown by the query analysis. Furthermore, result showed that the most common waste generated in the study area is plastic (40.9%). It also revealed that 65.9% practice open dumps disposal system and only 59.1% of inhabitants disposes their waste daily. Malaria was reported by 86.4% of the respondents as the most important health problem in the town. Also, 61.4% of inhabitants depend on ground water as their means of water supply. The study also identified points free of intersection among dumpsites, built-up areas, watercourses and major roads at a distance of 3500m as most suitable sites for dumpsites and sorting centres. The study concludes that waste management with it attendant problems still constitute a major challenge in the study area and suggests the 3R's model as framework for effective solid waste management in the town.