ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IMPACT OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Solid waste disposal sites are found on the outskirts of the urban areas, turning into the child sources of contamination due to the incubation and proliferation of flies, mosquitoes, and rodents; that, in turn, are disease transmitters that affect population’s health, which has its organic defenses in a formative and creative state. What to do with solid waste has long troubled governments, industries and individuals Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effects of the dumpsite on the surrounding human settlement in Osogbo. The effects that were assessed were the possible impacts of the dumpsite on the health and the environment and also the residents view regarding the location of the dumpsite. Data were collected from 358 respondents, through the use of self-administered questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaires were administered to respondents living close to the dumpsites using the distance less than 100m and 350m of Osogbo residential areas. In order to achieve its objectives, a comparison between the nearby and far away residents was done. The result shows that both residents were affected by the location of the dumpsite closer to their settlements. It was also noted that the residents whose houses are less than 200 meters from the dumpsite are victims of fever, cholera, and diarrhea. However, residents whose houses are more than 200 meters are also affected with the bad smell from the dumpsite, but mainly when wind is blowing in their direction. The study concludes that dumpsites should be located at least 200 meters away from human settlements. Therefore, the study recommends that dumpsites should be properly located and managed to minimize its effects on the environment. The government and municipalities should revise laws regarding the locations of the dumpsites.