SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT OF ACHARA LAYOUT AREA OF ENUGU CITY

The study investigated the generation of the solid waste in Achara layout and the effects of INTERNET WORK ENGINEERING LTD (a private sector participant (PSP) engaged by ENSEPA, Enugu in solid waste collection, transportation and disposal for Achara layout area of Enugu city. In the course of the study, 100 households in the layout were randomly chosen from the 10 streets that fall within the randomly sampled blocks when the layout was divided into 100 blocks, and the solid waste generated by these households was stored into components, and weighed with a weigh balance graduated in kilogram (kg). Also, questionnaire surveys were carried out for the households’ studied and informal interview for the enterprise (PSP) that manages the waste was conducted. Using correlation analysis, the study established that there is a strong positive correlation (= 0.99, p< 0.05) between
quantity of solid waste generated and household size. A high coefficient of determination (98%) explained the extent to which household size determines the quantity of solid waste generated. ANOVA revealed that there is no significant difference in mean solid waste generated by the households between the streets studied. The solid waste composition analysis revealed that about 70% of the solid waste is composed of food waste/foliage which are decomposable. The responses on the questionnaire surveys established that the activities of the PSP involved
with the solid waste collection of the layout are ineffective. Though the involvement of PSP is a welcome approach in the solid waste management of Enugu City, it is still rudimentary in developing economies like Nigeria. There is need for a more pragmatic approach in terms of public awareness and sensitization; evaluation; monitoring; and enforcement.

BY ONYEMA AUGUSTINE .I., BEING A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, METEOROLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT; FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES;
NNAMDI AZIKWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA; IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF (PGD) DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.