Analysis Of Solid Waste Evacuation From Residential Areas Around Major Markets In Awka Urban, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The paper analysed solid waste evacuation from market neighbourhoods in two major markets in Awka urban. The study is hinged on the concept of sustainable solid waste management. Sustainability in this study encompasses all solid waste management practices that ensure the safety of the environment for the present generation without compromising the future of coming generations. Primary data were obtained from 200 copies of structured questionnaires, photo camera and a handheld GPS. Data from questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics while ArcGIS 10.3 NA was employed for the creation of optimized solid waste collection and disposal routes.  The findings showed that 83% of residents in Eke-Awka neighbourhood indicated unavailability of dumpsters, while 17% agreed that dumpsters were available in their neighbourhoods. Similarly, majority of residents (94%) in Nkwo-Amaenyi neighbourhood indicated absence of dumpsters while 6% indicated presence of dumpsters in their neighbourhoods. For frequency of solid waste evacuation, a high proportion of respondents (63%) in Eke-Awka neighbourhood noted that wastes were collected twice a week, while majority of respondents (54%) in Nkwo-Amaenyi opined that wastes were collected once a week. Finally, ArcGIS 10.3 NA was employed to optimize solid waste collection routes to 18.8km in Eke-Awka and environs and 9.7km in Nkwo-Amaenyi and environs. The study therefore concludes that solid waste management around market environments in Awka urban is still in an embryonic phase of development and therefore recommends that more dumpsters should be provided within and outside the various markets to avoid heaps of market wastes.