AN APPROPRIATE HUMAN BODY WASTES DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR WATERFRONT DWELLERS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS

Abstract

In this study, analysis of an appropriate toilet system for the slums of Port Harcourt metropolis was carried out in order to improve the existing toilet system for the slums within the metropolis. Disposal of human feaces is one of the pressing public health problems in most of the urban areas. A critical look at the existing toilet systems of the slums was observed and analyzed. Considerations were made with respect to the slums, environmental factors, provision of sanitation system, physical, social and cultural factors. Four different locations were sampled this include Elabuchi, Marine Base, Abonnema Wharf and Nember Waterside. At Elabuchi 165 households disposes faeces directly into the River while 25 house holds have bucket latrine. At Marine base, 65 households disposes faces directly into the river, while 25 households have bucket latrine. Abonnema Wharf has 80 households disposing feaces directly into the river while 10 households have bucket latrine and for Nembe waterfront has 75 households disposing faeces directly into the river while 15 households have bucket latrine. A comparison of composted and uncomposted feaces was observed. The result showed that composting reduced ascarid egg count to zero while the un-composted does not which is why the composting privy is regarded as one of the prospective alternatives and favourable as a tool to accomplish sustainable sanitation system, because it can utilize human excrements as compost. A safe recycling of this feaces will benefit agricultural production and to reclaim swamps is more desirable.