CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Flooding is a prevalent natural disaster characterized by the overflow of water from rivers, usually due to exceeding their capacity, resulting in the inundation of adjacent low-lying areas. Floods can take different forms, such as coastal flooding, river flooding, and urban flooding. Coastal flooding occurs in low-lying regions along the coast, river flooding affects flood plains along larger rivers, and short-lived flash floods can occur in inland areas due to sudden heavy rains that lead to destructive torrents. Urban flooding occurs in towns, especially in areas with inadequate surface drainage, or where existing drainage systems are obstructed by municipal waste, refuse, or eroded soil sediments.
Nigeria, as a country, faces the significant challenge of flooding. Floods are not a new occurrence in Nigeria, and they have been responsible for extensive damage and loss of life. The northern region, in particular, has witnessed severe flooding, causing the destruction of entire villages and vast areas of agricultural land. Floods in Nigeria have led to the loss of lives, building collapses, property damage, and agricultural losses. Coastal cities like Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Warri, Lokoja, and Kaduna have experienced numerous flood-related incidents resulting in casualties and extensive property damage.
Simultaneously, solid waste has become a persistent issue in Nigeria's urban environments, with cities grappling with the challenge of uncollected and uncleared waste. Urban residents often contend with the adverse effects on public health and safety resulting from the hazardous impact of exposed and decaying rubbish. A United Nations report from August 2004 expressed concern that while developing countries were making progress in providing access to clean drinking water, they were lagging behind in sanitation goals. In a joint report, the World Health Organization and the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) stated that approximately 2.4 billion people were likely to face the risk of preventable diseases and mortality by 2015 due to poor sanitation. The report highlighted that inadequate sanitation, characterized by the absence of functioning sewage systems and toilets, contributes to the spread of diseases like cholera and common illnesses like diarrhea, which claims a child's life every 21 seconds. The most severely affected by poor sanitation are the rural poor and residents of slum areas in rapidly growing cities, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Solid waste management is the process of collecting, storing, treating, and disposing of solid waste in a manner that is environmentally benign and poses no harm to humans, plants, animals, and the overall environment. The improper disposal of solid waste represents a major challenge for developing countries and has been acknowledged as a significant barrier to sustainability on a global scale. Therefore, raising awareness and fostering the right attitude towards solid waste generation and disposal are critical steps in addressing the ongoing challenges in solid waste management, particularly in cities like Uyo. Given this backdrop, it is crucial to explore whether there is a relationship between individuals' background characteristics (such as sex, age, and social class) and their awareness, knowledge, and practices related to solid waste management among residents of Port Harcourt.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Solid waste management is a significant and escalating challenge in many developing countries, often overlooked within the realm of urban management. Nevertheless, inadequate waste management can exacerbate the effects of urban flooding by obstructing drainage systems, amplifying the presence of debris, and providing breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors. A comprehensive examination of existing literature and an analysis of case studies, including those sourced from the literature and examples gathered during the development of a global urban flood handbook, validate the assertion that solid waste management is an emerging concern within the practice of flood risk management.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the effects of improper solid waste management practices on flooding in Nigeria, using Uyo metropolis as a case study. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To identify solid waste management practices of residents in Uyo metropolis.
- To examine the effect of improper solid waste management practices on flooding in Uyo Metropolis.
- To proffer solutions to enhancing better solid waste management practices in Uyo Metropolis.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What are the solid waste management practices of residents in Uyo metropolis?
- What are the effects of improper solid waste management practices on flooding in Uyo metropolis?
- What are measures can be put in place to enhance better solid waste management practices in Uyo metropolis?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between improper solid waste management practices and flooding in Uyo metrolis.
Hi: There is a statistical significant relationship between improper solid waste management practices and flooding in Uyo metrolis.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the health and environemental sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to select primary schools in Uyo Metroplis. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 definition of terms
- Improper Solid Waste Management Practices: The inadequate, irresponsible, or incorrect methods and behaviors associated with the collection, disposal, and handling of solid waste, which may include actions such as illegal dumping, open burning, littering, and the absence of recycling and proper waste disposal infrastructure.
- Solid Waste: Non-liquid, non-gaseous waste materials generated by various human activities, such as households, industries, and businesses, including items like paper, plastics, glass, metals, and organic waste.
- Collection: The process of gathering and transporting solid waste from its source (e.g., households, businesses) to a designated disposal or treatment facility, typically involving the use of waste collection vehicles and bins.
- Disposal: The final management stage in the handling of solid waste, encompassing the systematic and safe disposal of waste materials in landfills, incineration facilities, or through other environmentally responsible methods.
- Recycling: The practice of reprocessing and reusing waste materials to create new products or to conserve resources, reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal and promoting sustainability.
- Littering: The act of improperly disposing of waste materials by discarding them in public areas or places where waste should not be placed, leading to pollution and environmental degradation.
- Illegal Dumping: The unauthorized and unlawful disposal of waste materials in locations not designated for waste disposal, contributing to environmental pollution and degradation.
- Open Burning: The practice of setting fire to waste materials in an uncontrolled and unsanctioned manner, often releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere and posing environmental and health risks.
- Flooding: The overflow of water onto normally dry land, resulting in the submersion of areas that are typically not covered by water, often due to excessive rainfall, river overflow, storm surges, or inadequate drainage systems.
- Environmental Degradation: The deterioration of the natural environment, which can include damage to ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and other adverse impacts resulting from human activities, such as improper solid waste management practices.
- Drainage Systems: Infrastructure designed to collect and redirect excess water, including stormwater and wastewater, away from populated areas to prevent flooding, maintain public health, and manage runoff.
