An evaluation of household refuse management in Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

In many societies, women play an important role in promoting health, particuarly in view of their central position in the family. They therefore represent a unique target group for health information and education on the importance of a sanitary environment in health promotion and disease prevention. A systematic sample of 300 women from various parts of Enugu metropolis were interviewed to elicit information on their pattern of household refuse management as well as their perception of refuse management in the city. More people living in bungalows and duplexes (31.7%) were found to be using standard dustbins with cover, compared with 12.4% of those living in either 1 or 2-room apartments (X2 = 12.84; df = 1; p < 0.001). Educational level had a positive influence on both the use of standard dustbin with cover as well as the frequency of emptying the household refuse (X2 = 14.26; df = 1; P < 0.001). There was a reasonable population access (75.7%) to minicipal refuse dumps. The main reason for dissatisfaction with refuse management in the city was irregular clearing of the municipal council refuse dumps (81.6%). Strategies for improving refuse management in Enugu are discussed.

Keywords

• house refuse management
• standard dustbin
• health education