Spatial dynamics of illegal dumpsites and prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases in Makokoba Township in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Solid waste management is a significant public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries, with the situation worse in many of Africa's cities. Illegal dumping of waste, squatting and overcrowding, among other things, are some of the concerns experienced in Bulawayo. This study explored the spatial distribution of illegal dumpsites and their health impacts (prevalence of Diarrhoeal diseases) on the people living proximal to these sites in Makokoba Township in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey utilising semi-structured questionnaires and a handheld Global Positioning Device was conducted on respondents who resided in Makokoba for at least six months preceding the data collection in February to March 2019. The Fishers' Exact and logistic regressions were computed to determine associations between variables and diarrhoeal disease prevalence. Prevalence rates were calculated and compared between cases and controls. Seventeen illegal dumpsites were identified and mapped. A total of 147 individuals out of 480 (31%) reported having suffered from diarrhoeal diseases. Of these 147 cases, 84 (57%) stayed within the 90-metre buffer zone. There was a strong correlation between proximity to dumpsite and those living within the 90metre buffer, showing a higher risk of developing diarrhoeal diseases than those staying outside the buffer zones, as evidenced by the hotspot maps. Age, Occupation, Location, and Involvement in waste handling were significantly associated with diarrhoeal diseases. In conclusion, a significant number of dumpsites were identified. There was a higher prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases in the population that lived within the 90metre radius from the dumpsites than those who lived outside these perimeters. There, therefore, a need for improvement of waste management techniques to eliminate the illegal dumpsites. This would, in turn, reduce the prevalence rates of diarrhoeal diseases.