Abstract
Appropriate waste disposal is crucial for a healthy environment and avoidance of health hazards. Environmental problems arising from indiscriminate dumping of refuse needs urgent attention, control and management in Nigeria. This study sought to examine the relationship between indiscriminate refuse dumping and flooding in Amassoma community of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on structural-functionalist theory. The study engaged the survey research design and its population comprised residents of Amassoma community and staff of Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority. A triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative method of data collection was used. Quantitatively, a sample size of 378 were administered closed ended structured questionnaires which elicited information based on the study’s objectives, while qualitatively, 5 respondents participated in the study’s in-depth interview which allowed for participants to disclose their feelings and attitude more readily about the subject matter. The non-probability sampling technique involving the use of accidental sampling was employed in selecting the study respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using the non-parametric method of Chi-square, while qualitative data was content analyzed using verbatim quotations. The study findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between the waste disposal habit of the people and flooding and also, between poor waste management and flooding in the study area. It also revealed a significant relationship between drains blocked by refuse dumping and flooding in Amassoma community. The study therefore recommends a communal orientation on the need for proper waste disposal for residents of Amassoma community to ensure positive attitude towards waste management and, effective control of indiscriminate refuse dumping in drains, so as to reduce the incidence of flooding in the community.
Highlights
In both developed and developing countries, a lot of human activities on the environment are currently responsible for most of the environmental problems experienced in our societies
The study findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between the waste disposal habit of the people and flooding and between poor waste management and flooding in the study area
The study recommends a communal orientation on the need for proper waste disposal for residents of Amassoma community to ensure positive attitude towards waste management and, effective control of indiscriminate refuse dumping in drains, so as to reduce the incidence of flooding in the community
Summary
In both developed and developing countries, a lot of human activities on the environment are currently responsible for most of the environmental problems experienced in our societies. Studies carried out in Nigeria and Ghana revealed that about 80% of solid wastes are indiscriminately discarded (Ogwueleka, 2009; Aziale and AsafoAdjei, 2013) It has been observed in Nigeria, that the few environmental regulatory agencies like the Federal and State Waste Management Boards that exists, have not been effective in attaining a safe and healthy environment for residents (Ogwueleka, 2009; Karanja, 2015; Omolawal and Shittu, 2016). When people inappropriately litter waste and dirt in gutters, roads, open spaces, the drains become blocked and limit free flow of water. When it rains, it causes flooding resulting to damaging effects on properties with severe consequences on the livelihood of individuals and health hazards (Akinwale, 2010; Akindutire and Alebiosu, 2014; Olayiwola et al, 2017)
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