Cecilia Final 1111

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ITS HEALTH
HAZARDS, A CASE STUDY OF BOMEH.
BY
Cecilia Dauda
ID
A dissertation submitted to the department of public health, Milton

margai technical university in partial requirements for the award of
bachelor of science with honors in public health
August 2023
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this research dissertation is the product of my own efforts and to
the best of my knowledge and conviction, has never been presented to any institution
for any award or qualification whatsoever. Wherever the works of other people have
been included, due acknowledgment to this has been made in accordance with the
appropriate referencing and citations. The findings and the analysis that will result
from this research project will be our original information.
………………………………………… …………………………….………
Date Signature
CERTIFICATION
I certify that Cecilia Dauda of the department of public health , Milton margay technical
university, undertook this work in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of
Bachelor of Science with Honors in Public Health. This dissertation titled ―SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT AND ITS HEALTH HAZARDS, A CASE STUDY OF BOMEH‖ was
carried out under my supervision and direction and that the result and findings are true
reflections of this work.
………………………………… ……………………………..
Mr. Mohamed Sannoh

(supervisor)
DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to God Almighty.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank God Almighty, for the gift of life throughout the study period. To
my parents, I say thank you for ever being a reliable pillar upon which I have always
lean on. To all my eldest sister Miss. Marvel Smith I say a very big thank you. And to my
brother Mr. Michael Dauda I say thank you. And to my Husband Mr. Edward Mansaray
thank you very much for your support throughout my course. To my friend Godwin I
say a very big think you. And to my lecturers I say thank you as I’m are grateful. To my
supervisor, Mr. Sannoh , through whose contributions this research work became a
success, I say thank you so much.
Special thanks to our noble Head of Department (HOD) Mrs. Dorcas Labija I say thank
you. To my colleagues and friends, it has been quite a journey, made even more
interesting andbearable with you at every step.
I appreciate the efforts of my friends and classmates. They have been very instrumental
in the completion of this course. Their advice was very vital in overcoming the different
challenges during our study.
Special thanks to the staff at FCC for supporting me as I collected data for my thesis. I’m
extremely grateful to all the patients for their participation in this study and the
relationships I built.
I acknowledge all the authors from whom we got information to back my
study.Thank you for your efforts. God bless you all.
LIST OF TABLE
Dedication ......................................................................................................................................................
Certification…………………………………………………………………………………………
Dedication …………………………………………………………………………………………..
List of Acronyms……………………………………………………………………………..
Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................. ii
Table of Figures. ................................................................................................................................... Iii
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ iv
Chapter One
Overview Of Study.................................................................................................................................. 1
1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background of the Study ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Scope of the study ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.3 significance of the Study ……………………………………………………………………………….
1.4 Objective of The Study ....................................................................................................................5
1.5 Research Questions ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 organization of the work ………………………………………………………………………………..
1.7 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter two
Literature review
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Solid Waste Generation and Composition in Freetown Western Area 19
2.2 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION IN FREETOWN WESTERN AREA ...................................................... 21
2.3 DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE IN ONITSHA........................................................................ 22
2.4 Solution on Health hazard of solid waste management in kissydockyard dumping site (
bomeh
2.5 Solid Waste Management Regulation and Policy In Sierra Leone
Chapter three
3.0 Use Of Theory

3.1 The Theory Of Planned Behavior
3.2 Primary Data Collection ................................................................................................. 28
3.3 SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION........................................................................................... 28
SAMPLE FRAME AND SIZE DETERMINATION ............................................................ 29
Chapter four
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ..........................................................
4.0 Introduction
4.1 SAMPLE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 30

4.2 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS .......................................................................................................... 33
4.3 APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN
BOMEH .............................................................................................................................................. 39
4.4 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS ......................................................................................................... 43

LIST OF ACRONYMS
AMREF – African Medical and Research Foundation
APHRC – African Population and Health Research Center
CBO – Community Based Organization
CVC – Carcinogenic Vinyl Chloride
EMCA – Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act
FGD – Focus Group Discussion
IDI – In Depth Interview MSW – Municipal Solid Waste
NEMA – National Environmental Management Authority
NGO – Non-Governmental Organization
PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
SWM – Solid Waste Management
UNEP – United Nation Environmental Program
FCC - Freetown City Council

ABSRACT
This report investigates possible health effects due to improper disposal of waste
and the awareness within a community. The aim was also to investigate what is
needed for a proenvironmental behavior in western part of Freetown kingtom
dumping site (Bomeh) within a developing country (Sierra Leone). Waste
management in developing countries has been and still remains a challenge, waste is
left in nature and this has the potential for negative health effects on people and
animals as well as degrading land and aquatic ecosystems. The used method was
both quantitative and qualitative for data collection in-depth interviews were
conducted with help of an interpreter, interviewing guide, and a recording device.
The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo and thematic analysis.
The result shows that all participants were aware of the health risks connected to
waste. Much concern was raised amongst the community members, especially for the
children‘s health. All participants had a positive attitude towards re-collecting,
reusing and recycling of waste, for the community members this was if a gain of
income was obtained. Also the lack of responsibility by the general public was
brought up by many participants as a social norm. To conclude if pro-environmental
behavior is to be reached in Bomeh there has to be; (i) available systems for the
public, (ii) a collective thought of responsibility in every community member, (iii)
education on the issue in three steps (knowledge, comprehension and prevention)
but most importantly (iv) the living standards has to be raised for those people that
are most frequently affected.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND
The rapid urbanization in the developing countries of Africa, uncontrolled and

unplanned, has brought a serious environmental degradation. One of its most
pressing matters is the management of solid-, liquid- and hazardous waste. A visit to
any African city will be the evidence of this situation where the dumping site is not
properly design. A total of 80 percent of all diseases spread within a community in a
developing country are believed to be connected to the poor waste management in
small towns or cities (Public Health Officer, 2012). This in itself is an unnecessary
and additional problem for people in these countries who often already struggle with
inadequate drinking water and lack of food.
Management of solid waste is an enormous challenge in developing countries all

over the world due to factors like; poverty, population explosion and urbanization.
The management is also in-effective and under-funded by governments (Adewale m.
Taiwo, 2011). Senkoro (2003) argued that waste management is the second most
pressing matter after the problem of inadequate water quality within all developing
nations (as cited in Adewale m. Taiwo, 2011, p. 93). A sustainable system in place for
handling waste is an acute need within urban settlements. This is because many of
these towns are growing fast and increasing human populations will lead to
production of more waste. The generation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has been
rapid, while the capacity to collect and safely dispose of the material has been on a
general decline. Today MSW are getting disposed in open and illegal dump sites
which lack of proper environmental pollution control and monitoring (Rotich K.
Henry et al, 2006).
Such poor management of solid waste is a general problem in Sierra Leone.

Literature is generally lacking on solid waste management (SWM) in this country,
with the exception for some reports from Nairobi (UNEP, 2005). Sierra Leone, which
is one of the most populated countries on the African continent, formulated a Waste
Management Regulation Plan in 2006.
This study is designed to determine the existing problems of solid waste
management in Freetown Bomeh community and the hazardous effect on the
general population. The problems that will be assessed are the factors impeding the
effectiveness and efficient solid waste management and the wrong attitudes and
perceptions of the people about sanitation issues which have contributed to solid
waste management problems in Freetown. Given the fact that waste management
authorities' activities were very unsatisfactory and extremely unacceptable,
consequently, there is a need for help from the government, confidential areas and
Non-administrative associations for the rebuilding of strong waste administration
frameworks. The subject of "Solid Waste Management" has achieved an incredible
implication as the entirety of our urban communities and Air, Water and Soil assets
are profoundly polluted imperiling mankind and the whole bio-arrangement of
plants, creatures, marine life, and vegetation. Regardless of the earnestness of the
issue of Solid waste in every aspect of our exercises from homegrown, business,
modern, rural, etc. Not much is done particularly; our anxiety has been on the
requirement for individuals' support in tackling in a maintainable way. The
homegrown and business squander. Interest in purchaser merchandise is expanding
step by step at an exceptionally quick rate because of fast industrialization and
populace blast. This thusly brings about the creation of strong waste with the
utilization and toss idea, the age of waste expanded alarmingly both in amount and
intricacy. Unloading additionally gives revolting look, and foul smell yet additionally
objective serious well-being risk through contamination of land, air and water asset.
Keywords: Solid waste, Management, environmental hazard, Bomeh dumping sight,
Freetown & Sierra Leone.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
Although there are quite several dump sites in Freetown, the study is focused on the
Bomeh communities for the household level. The reason is that people in the house
whole levels are the most affected.
The study area – Bomed is geographically located in the western of Sierra Leone
between (latitude 6o, 10’N and longitude 6o,47 E coordinates).
Bomeh is the older and larger of the two formal landfills. It started its operations in
1940s. Kingtom “Bohemia” is situated at the Congo Town Wharf area where the
Congo Greek empties into the sea, southwest of Freetown, known as Kingtom.
Flanking the long trough of the dump are the Kingtom cemetery to the north and a
residential area to the south towards main Congo Town Road. The western side is
bordered by a border-embankment against the ocean; the northern part has a
discharge valve. Between the border embankments, the southern ascending slope
leads to Ascension Town Road and the landfill forms a kind of lagoon. There are
watercourses along the northern and southern sides. The site’s poor engineering and
the gradients make maneuvering vehicles difficult. Moreover, being located within a
bay of the Atlantic Ocean, Kingtom landfill is susceptible to floods.
Significance of the study:
The significance of the study stems from the fact that it will assist the researcher in
identifying issues with waste management and it`s hazards. It will aid in raising
public awareness of the dangers posed by improper waste management. The study
will encourage additional investigation and assist policymakers in developing
concrete plans to address waste management issues in Bomeh. This study will also
greatly assist in the decision-making process regarding the prevention of the toxic
effects of organic and biodegradable waste components on the environment. It will
also prevent households from experiencing the hazardous effects of waste by
properly disposing of waste.
Objectives of the study:
1. To examine the types of waste produced by households and waste management
practices.
2. The willingness of households to pay for their waste.
3. To evaluate the effects of residents' attitudes on waste management practices.
4. To assess how knowledge relates to waste management practices.
Research questions:
1. How often do residents examine the types of waste produced and waste
management practices?
2. To what extent are households willing to pay for their waste?
3. What are the attitudes and perceptions of the people given solid waste
management??
4. To what extent does the resident's knowledge relate to waste management
practices?
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This study is organized in five (5) chapters. Chapter one of the study covers the
Introduction, Background of the study, Statement of the problem, Objectives of the
study, Research questions, Significance of the study, Scope and of the study and
organization of the study. This chapter allows the reader to know the bases of the
study and how important it is to its readers.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
This chapter touched on the background of the study, problem statement,

research objectives,research questions as well as research significance.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
“Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative,

circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are
managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in
ways that enhance our society’s resilience” (EC, 2016).
The impact of the environmental, economic and social consequences of our action
on the planet’s finite resources has heightened the need for individuals, businesses,
and governments to change the way they manage their relationship with the
environment and adopt sustainable measures (Ormazabal, Prieto-Sandoval,
Rogério, & Carmen, 2018). As the call for sustainable atmosphere and the reduction
on the pressure mounted on our ecosystem’s finite resources increases, more and
more strategies and measures has been taken to curb and reduce over dependence
on finite natural resources. One of such strategies is sustainable waste
management. Through this strategy, waste which was once with no value can be
transformed to wealth or to resource. This entails converting our wastes to
something resourceful. It could be as fuels or raw material. Many countries today
adopt a new sustainable economic concept called circular economy instead of the
conventional linear economy that has been in existence. Presently, countries like
China, Germany, France, UK, and Japan already have progressed in developing
policies that support circular Economy in this respective (Blomsma & Brennan,
2017) (Murray, Keith, & Kathryn, 2017).
As earlier reiterated in the preceding section, Solid waste management is “the
discipline associated with control of generation, storage, collection, transport or
transfer, processing and disposal of solid waste materials in a way that best addresses
the range of public health, conservation, economics, aesthetic, engineering and other
environmental considerations”. (Tchobanoglous, Hilary, & S A., 1993). With this
definition forming a wide and concise picture of a workable solid waste management
system, it is pertinent to say that the challenges of solid waste management in
developing countries is more severe than in developed countries (Zerbock, 2003). In
developed countries, solid waste management are treated very importantly through
the adoption of stringent measures and regulations coupled with innovative strategies
for its usage, and regulatory/monitoring measures are also applied to ensure
the integration of solid waste management in the developmental plan of the urban
cities (Nzeadibe, 2009). The reverse is the case in developing countries. Apart from the
nonchalant or uninformed attitude exhibited by primary waste generators in
developing countries especially in countries in Africa and Asia, sustainable solid waste
management is marred by many other contributing factors: These include but not
limited to the inadequacy of infrastructure to support the growing urbanization solid
waste problem, weak political will by the government to establish a working
governance system, poor sanitation habit, inadequacy of fund and nonexistence of
solid waste management plan in some of the cities. Most developing countries also
have solid waste management problems different from those found in industrialized
countries in areas of composition, density, political, n and economic framework, waste
amount, access to waste management system for collection, awareness and attitude
etc. (Martin, Arguello, & Offira, 2013) (Ogwueleka, 2009). Nigeria and its cities fall
under the above described poor solid waste management system.
Sierra Leone is one of the list populated country in Africa with a staggering
population of over 6 million, that also has low economy and with no oil production
that one may say it a good indicator for measuring the rate of solid waste
generation in the country. Although sierra leone is more a typical example of
consumer economy, its consumerism behavior and urbanization has plummeted the
rate of solid waste generated in the country. According to (epa , 2013), sierra Leone
have experienced dramatic increase in population, economic development and
urbanization over the last thirty years. They argued that the capital city of sierra
leone like every other city across the globe that commands a dominant role in the
production and consumption of goods and services has exhausted its capacity to
contain the ever- increasing urban growth hence the challenge of providing basic
services like efficient solid waste management systems. Solid waste management in
sierra leone is not developed as it is characterized by poor collection methods,
inadequate coverage of the collection system and improper disposal of solid waste
(fcc , 2020). This has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing all the three
tiers of government and environmental protection agencies in sierra leone (fcc
2009).
The volume of solid waste generated continues to increase at a faster rate than
available management systems and the capacity of the agencies involved in the
management of the generated waste (epa, 2009). In freetown, it is estimated that
55,937 tonnes of urban solid waste is generated a day with a 0.53kg per community
daily. With its burgeoning daytime population, the above statistic confirms that the
city is filthy, inhabitable and environmentally unfriendly and if appropriate
measures are not taken, there is high possibility of communicable disease outbreak
and other negative impacts associated to non-sustainable environmental more
than what is already recorded. (Ugwunwa, 2005) in a research on the causes and
consequences of indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in Freetown metropolis
found out that the main reason for indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in the city
is because of the carefree attitude exhibited by the resident towards solid waste
management, inadequacy of environmental awareness, little or no disposal site and
without doubt, the population explosion.
Environmental sanitation in Freetown eastern area is often regarded as the poorest
in Sierra Leone. Almost every corner of the city is littered with thrash perhaps this is
because of the numerous commercial and socio-economic activities that goes on in
the city which attracts people from all works of life from different parts of sierra
leone.
In subsequent sections in this chapter, a review analysis will be made on solid

waste management processes in Freetown. The processes that will form the basis of
discourse are generation, collection and disposal as well as waste management
regulations and policies in sierra Leone.
2.1 Solid Waste Generation and Composition in bomeh
Sierra leone generates more than 40,000 thousand tonnes of solid waste annually
with average rate of generation ranging from 0.44 kg/cap/day in rural areas to 0.66
kg/cap/d in urban areas (fcc 2020), out of which only 20-30% are collected (Bakare,
2016). The density of solid waste in sierra leone is very high and ranges from 150
kg/m3 to 250 kg/m3 as opposed to solid waste densities recorded in developed
countries (Ogwueleka, 2009). The average amount of household solid waste
generation per week ranges between 22.75 kg in the medium residential density
area and 30.39 kg in the high residential density region of the city (Ibrahim,
Adeyemi, & Adebayo, 2014). In Onitsha, polythene bags, pieces of clothes,
foodstuff, plastic and paper materials forms the main component of the waste
(Nwachukwu, 2010). In Onitsha, household waste accounts for 40% of the solid
waste with a combination of others waste components like metals, tins, bottles and
glass materials (Nwachukwu, 2010).
Table 2.1 : Solid-waste Components in eastern area

Solid-waste type Percentage (%)
Food waste 40.5

Metal 8.7
Yard waste 6.5
Glass 4.5
Paper and paper board 8.1
Plastic polythene 17.9
Rubber, leather, textile, wood 10.1

Miscellaneous inorganic waste 9.2
Fig 2.1 : Solid-waste Components in bomeh Metropolis

Miscellaneous SOLID-WASTE
Rubber, leather, inorganic
waste textile, wood 9.2%
TYPE
10%
Plastic polythene Food waste

waste 41%
18%
Paper and
paper
board waste
8%
Glass waste Metal
4% Household 9%
waste
2.1 Solid Waste Collection in Onitsha

In the east end area part of Freetown , most households have dust bins. However,
the residential solid waste collection system depends on the type of dwelling unit. In
the low rise detached dwelling regions of Government reserved Area, the curb and
the set-out/set back system is practiced and in commercial regions, communal
large movable and stationary containers are placed for collection of refuse
(Agwunwaba, O.K, & Onyebuenyi, 1998). Generally, in sierra Leone, the collection
of solid waste is the responsibility of state and local government environmental
protection agencies (Ogwueleka, 2009). Waste collection is a service mainly
rendered by the public sector though some State Governments operate some level
of formal public‐private participation (PPP) (Iriruaga, 2006). On the other hand,
several informal solid waste collection operations exist in parallel with these official
agencies in some major cities. (Ogwueleka, 2009). Collectors can be seen moving
from door to door picking up wastes from the generators with their local push carts
or trucks. These informal collectors do not render this service for free rather a
certain amount/fee is paid for their service. In most urban areas, stationary
containers system is adopted for waste collection; the waste containers are placed
at strategic positions for easy access by residents with not higher than 50%
efficiency (Iriruaga, 2006).
2.2 Disposal of solid waste
Sanitary landfill is the most common means of waste disposal in Freetown (EPA
2022). The one in bomeh is the first of its kind in sierra Leone . Other forms of
disposal strategies involve open dumping, animal feeding and controlled landfill.
Animal feeding is not a common practice however but forms a good way for taking
care of food wastes from homes and culinary shops. In general, the most
commonly practiced waste management option in Sierra Leone, basically involves
the collection of mixed waste materials and subsequent dumping at designated
dumpsites (Attah, 2016). Waste transfer station is not something common in sierra
Leone only a few states have such in existence. The deposition of wastes in open
dumps, and uncontrolled landfills is also a common practice. No form of waste
separation practice at the source or during its management is observed (Adekunle,
2011). In a study in Awka in Anambra State, which was aimed at determining the
waste handling practice among household in the city, result showed that 85% of
respondents stores the waste generated in a closed container outside their houses
and about 70% and 27% of the respondents respectively dispose their waste
through the government waste management agency and by dumping in
unauthorized places (Modebe & Onyeonoro, 2008). The other proportion of the
respondents patronize the mobile cart pushers.
In sierra Leone generally, municipal solid waste is being collected and taken by
collection vehicles directly to the disposal site as transfer stations are currently not
common. There are cases where such were once in existence but are not longer
functional. In Abuja for example as observed by (Ogwueleka, 2009), the land
earmarked for waste transfer
station has been converted to other land use mostly open dumps or uncontrolled
landfills. Most of these are not properly marked as many are located mostly along
or beside major roads. In Makurdi, Benue State, the dump site is few km away from
the city. In Onitsha, refuse spreads into the road, blocking traffic and the wastes
(Ogwueleka, 2009). Another conventional way of managing these wastes are
through burning of dumps which seems to be a common practice in semi-urban
and rural communities in Nigeria and in many other developing countries. According
to (Momo & Oladeye, 2010) in a research study undertaken out in Eastern area in
sierra Leone, results shows that the methods of solid waste disposal in this part of
Nigeria include dumping of waste in gutters, drainage systems, street corners, and
unauthorized dumping sites.
2.3 Health hazard of solid waste management in kissy dockyard

dumping site ( bomeh)
Recent studies has shown that poor waste management has cause a lot of health hazard
in developing countries.
But for this research we found out some of the health hazard in kissy dockyard dumping
site. Some of the health hazards are
 Air pollution , respiration issues is one of the major diseases in the community by
the research we conducted both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The
decomposition of organic waste in landfilled produces gases like methane and
volatile organic compound, which can irritate the respiratory system and
exacerbate conditions like asthma. Also toxic emission of hazardous gases and
odorous compounds can cause discomfort which has been posing long time
health risk to nearby residents.
 Water contamination: leachate, a toxic that form as waste decomposes, can
contaminate ground water and nearby water bodies, potentially causing
waterborne diseases. And from the research you noticed that most of the
diseases they contact when they are living in that community is as a result of
inadequate water or the water is not pure in the community. Because most of the
people that are living in that community are drinking bore whole water and they
are not treating the water before drinking.
 Diseases vector: dumping site can attract diseases vectors like rats, flies, and
mosquitoes, which can transmit various diseases like malaria dengue and
leptospirosis. And almost all the people who are living in the community do
experience malaria because the environment is not healthy and because of that it
crate breathing site of those insect who carries the diseases from one person to
another.
 Injuries: accident and injuries especially among waste pickers and scavengers are
common in this area which are lkeading to physical health issues. And from the
research we found out that those who are working in the dumping site are not
well protected and they do not use their protective wear chich can cause so many
health effect.
2.4 Solution on Health hazard of solid waste management in kissy

dockyard dumping site ( bomeh
2.5 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATION AND POLICY
IN sierra Leone
There were no policies or regulation on waste and environment in existence in sierra leone. In the 60s,
the Sierra Leone Department of Health and Human Services (DOHSS) was assigned the responsibility.
In 1971, DOHSS nominated Freetown City Council (FCC), an urban Health Authority to manage
Freetown’s solid wastes. However, the FCC had difficulty in providing the services, and in late
seventies, given the hosting of Organization of African Union (OAU) conference in Freetown, the
Health minister, while launching a ―Keep the City Clean‖ campaign, also transferred the waste
management to the Ministry of Health, DOHS’s new name. In early 80’s sanitation was added, and a
new name—the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) emerged. In 1987, the MoHS assigned the
waste management responsibility to its (then newly created) public health units under its
Environmental Health Division (EHD).
In it, provisions were made for the solid waste sector, the specific actions desired
include collection and disposal of solid waste in an environmentally safe manner;
setting up and enforcement of laws, regulations, and standards; encouragement of
public participation; environmental monitoring; and imposition of penalties on
defaulters to encourage compliance (FEPA, 1989) (FRN, 1992). As mentioned earlier, In
Sierra Leone, responsibility of waste management is mostly by government and
concerned state and environmental protection agencies. The Environmental Agency
(EPA) is responsible for waste management in Sierra Leone. EPA is charged with the
responsibility of regulating the collection, disposal and treatment of waste produced by
municipalities and industrial sources. After the repealing of the Federal Environmental
Protection Act of 1989, the EPA Act, 2007 became the major statutory regulation or
instrument guiding environmental matters in sierra Leone. It specially makes provision
for solid waste management and its administration and prescribes sanction for
offences or acts which run contrary to proper and adequate waste disposal procedures
and practices (ELRI, 2008).
As compiled by (ELRI, 2008), below are some of the statutory regulations guiding solid
waste management in Nigeria:
 Environmental Impact Assessment Act Of 1992

The purpose of the EIA Act is to among other things establish before a decision taken
by any person, authority corporate body or unincorporated body including the
Government of the Federation, State or Local Government intending to undertake or
authorize the undertaking of any activity that may likely or to a significant extent affect
the environment. Such activities include the disposal of solid waste in the environment.
 National Environmental (Sanitation and Wastes Control) Regulations, 2009
This regulation that was promulgated in 2009 among other things makes adequate
provision for waste control and environmental sanitation including punishments in
cases of malfeasances.
 The Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, Etc) Act
The Decree prohibits the Carrying, depositing and dumping of harmful waste on
any land, territorial Waters, contagious zone, Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria
or its inland Water ways and prescribes severe penalties for any person found
guilty of any Crime relating thereto.
 National Policy on Environment
Launched by Government on 27th November 1989, this document prescribes
guideline and strategies for achieving the Policy Goal of Sustainable
Development.
There are other regulations at district level. Some of these are: Bo District
Environmental Protection Agency Law; Freetown Waste Disposal Law; Freetown
Environmental Protection Agency Law.
Ministry of Environment, Mineral Resources, EPA in Freetown and other parts of sierra
Leone is charged with the following responsibilities of making provision for waste
management services to state agencies, local governments, industries, business
entities and private persons within the state and as well receiving waste at the
authority’s facilities pursuant to the contract agreement between the authority and
such other party (FGN, 2013)
Chapter three
2.0 METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES
3.1 Use of theory

A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that explains or
predicts events or situations by specifying relations among variables (OBSSR, 2018).
Theory provides a way of thinking and analyzing the world in systematic ways as it helps
to describe, explain, and predict real world events (O'Neil, 2009). The theory applied in
this study is Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) which states that “attitude
toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, together shape
an individual's behavioural intentions and behaviour” (Ajzen, 1991). There are many
factors militating against sustainable solid waste management in the chosen location of
study - Bomeh. However, resident’s attitude and the economic (production and
consumption) setting of the study area has been hypothesized to be core basis for this.
Consequently, the theory will be applied on solid waste management to determine why
the residents of Bomeh behave the way they do towards sustainable solid waste
management, what influences their intention and attitude towards solid waste
management.
The “best predictor of behaviour is intention” (Ajzen, Theory of Planned Behavior,
1991). This specifically refers to behavioral intention, or the “cognitive indication of the
readiness of an individual to perform a specific behaviour” (Ajzen, Theory of Planned
Behaviour, 1991) , meaning that an individual’s response to an act is dependent on the
behavioural intention formed or developed. The goal is to ascertain the validity of this
theory in the context of poor waste management system in Onitsha. Many studies on
understanding people’s perception and view about the environment. Quantifiable
number of such studies elucidated the strong influence of socio-demographic
particularities and characteristics (gender, education, income and age) as a predictor
that influences people’s awareness on environmental issues. However, with the theory
of planned behaviour (TPB) applied in this study, the focus is on “intention” variable and
not on socio-demographics.
3.2 The Theory of Planned Behavior
Azjen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) argues that human behaviour is not random
and spontaneous, but instead based on the concept represented in the model diagram
shown in Fig. 3 below.
Fig 3 : Model diagram of The Theory of Planned Behaviour
Source: (Ajzen, 1991)
Attitude: This seeks to cover the individual’s attitude, or individual opinion, on

a specific behaviour. It largely reflects the individual’s personal attitudes, or their
perception on the extent on whether an act is good or bad, positive or negative,
favourable or not.
Subjective Norm: The is usually the social pressure arising from other people’s
expectations. It seeks to show that an individual's perception about an act, is
influenced by the judgment of significant others or any person he trusts. (e.g.,
parents, spouse, friends, teachers, neighbours, co-workers etc.) (Amjad & Wood,
2009). This, however has two components: “The individual’s normative beliefs,
or what he perceives to be what other people want or expect; and the individual’s
motivation, or need, to comply with what other people want or expect” (Martin,
2017).
Perceived Behavioural Control: The is the perceived behavioural control of the
individual, or his perception of his ability to perform a specific behaviour. It
encompasses how difficult or easy an individual perceives the behaviour (Ajzen,
1991) and this is assumed to be determined by the total set of accessible control
beliefs.
Intention is a drive or motives which pushes an individual to act in a specific manner hence
can be said that an individual’s action or behaviour towards something is a product of
intention. According to (Conner & Armitage, 1998) “The link between intentions and
behaviour reflects the fact that people tend to engage in behaviours they intend to perform”
According to Ajzen’s TPB, subjective norms are internally controlled hence evaluates an
individual’s social pressure for performing a behaviour (Ajzen, 1991). If we would like to
change people’s behavior we need to understand what determines their actions and
decisions (Klockner, 2013) hence the decision to design a questionnaire for the studys.
In the next chapter, an argument based on the above theory will be formulated with an
example with questions formed based on the application of the theory to Solid waste
management bomeh.
3.3 Primary Data Collection
Questionnaire survey, preliminary field investigation and visit forms the primary source
of data for this research. The preliminary field investigation involves scouting and
capturing spots in the areas for waste management systems and structures like bins and
skips, dump sites, landfill sites etc. This is to clearly understand the current state of solid
waste management in the study location. Pictures were taken by the researcher during
this process. Images of overflowing bins, heaps of solid waste in almost all the dump
sites and burning of solid waste in open dump sites were all captured.
Questionnaire were also administered during the research. This was done not just to
determine the situation of waste management or the type of wastes generated in
Onitsha but also to determine the attitude of the residents towards sustainable waste
management. The targeted population was 17 years and above. This is because in a
typical Sierra Leonean setting, the consciousness and responsibility of sweeping,
cleaning and gathering and the disposal of waste becomes vivid to people from that
age.
3.4Secondary Data
During this research, secondary data were retrieved from books, internet sources,
reports, gazettes, published related journals and registers. These were all carefully
consulted and analyzed in the preceding chapters.
3.5Sample frame and Size Determination
The sample size (n) was determined using the Taro Yamen formula. This is given as
N
n= 1+N(e)2
Where n = sample size
N = Population size
e = error margin
In this research, judging from the statistics from T.CH Ogwueleka (2009), we considered the
population of Granville brookland (bomeh) to be a total of five hundred and nine thousand
five hundred (1000) hence forming the population size (N) of our research. Men between
the age of 17 and 64 was considered hence the research’s sample frame. The error margin
for the work is 0.08 hence the confidence level of 92% was established.
Substituting the above data into the formula, our sample size will be
1000 =135
n= 1+1000 (0.08)2
That being calculated already, establishes our sample size of the survey to be one hundred
and thirty five (135). During the questionnaire design, the questions were divided into
three section which all together measures the demographic and socio-economic data;
the nature of solid waste, trend and disposal methods in bomeh; and lastly the factors
that influence solid waste disposal attitude in bomeh. The last part was structured to
test the proximity of the Adzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) applied in this
research. In the next section a detailed analysis of the data collected will be carried
out.
Chapter four
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
4.0 Introduction
This chapter will be discussing, analyzing and presenting the results of all the
responses/data received from the online questionnaire administered. In all, a total of
valid 135 responses were recorded.
4.1Sample Description
Below is the demographic and socio-economic data of the respondents. In total, 135%
of valid responses were recorded as represented in Table 4.1 and Fig 4.1 below. 60.5%
were male and 39.5% were female. The table below clearly represents the valid
responses of male and females with the corresponding numbers and percentages.
Table 4.1: Gender of respondents
Frequency Percent (%) Cumulative frequency
Male 80 59.3 59.3
Female 55 40.7 40.7
Total 135 100.0
Fig 4.1: Gender of the respondents
Gender
Female
Male 40.7%
Female Male
59.3
%
In Fig 4.2, 7.6% of the respondents were 17years, 18-24 years stood at 21.7% and the
majority were those between 25-34 years which stood at33.1%. others include 35-44
years at 21.7%; 45-54 years were at 7.1% and 55 – 64 years and 64-74 years stood at
6.4% and 1.9% respectively. Looking at the statistics of the ages between 17years to
54years which takes more than 80% of the respondents’ age, it affirms that Sierra
Leone like most African countries has a very young population hence a good indicator
why consumption and production is thriving in the city.
Fig 4.2: Age of the Respondents
64 + (3)
55-64 yrs (10) 2% 17 yrs (12)
6%
45 -54 yrs
(12) 18-24 yrs (34)
8% 22%
35-44 yrs(34)
22% Age
25-34 yrs (52)

33%
In Fig 4.3, 2.5% of the respondents only had primary education,17.2% were secondary
school graduates, 45.9% were polytechnic/university graduates, 19.7% were graduates
from vocational institutes while 14.6% had no form of formal education. However,
taking into consideration the percentage of these groups (secondary, university,
polytechnic, vocational), it is valid to say that their responses might be subject to
education bias.
Fig 4.3: Academic Qualification of Respondents
Highest Academic
No formal
Qualification
2% Secondary Edu
Edu
15% 17%
Vocational
20%
University/Polytechnic
46%
In Fig 4.4, 49.7% of the respondents were into business, 18.5% were students, 18.5%
were civil servants and 13.4% identified as others. This group “others” includes seasonal
workers, retirees, or those currently unemployed. Almost a half of the respondents
were into business. This confirms that Onitsha is indeed a commercial city however, on
the contrary, this may initiate bias in the responses given.
Fig 4.4: Respondents’ Occupation
Occupatio
Civil n
servant
18%
Business
Students 50%
19%
Others
13%
According to Fig 4.5, 41.4% of the respondents had 4-6 people in their house, 28% had
7-9people in their house, while 26.1% had 1-3 persons in their house and finally 4.5%
had 10 and above people in the house. The statistics is however intriguing as it proves
that bomeh do not only have a burgeoning daytime population because of the influx of
people coming to do business during the day from different parts of sierra Leone and
sub- Saharan Africa but also a huge number residing in the city.
Fig 4.5: Number of People in your house
How many people live in your house

10 and above
5%
1 to 3
26%
7 to 9
28%
4 to 6
41%
4.2Descriptive Statistics
Examining the nature of solid waste, current solid waste management trends,
situation and disposal methods in Onitsha
Table 4.1: Types of Waste Generated in bomeh
Type of waste Frequency Percentage
Food waste 82 52.23
Paper 55 35.03
Plastic 41 26.11
Glass 43 27.39
Aluminum (cans)/metals 17 10.83
Polythene/sachets of water/beverages 65 41.40
Wigs/Hairs and weave on 12 7.64
Electronic gadgets 6 3.82
Chemicals 3 1.91
Blocks/Concretes/tiles from construction 13 8.28
Total 337
Fig 4.6: Graphical representation of the types of waste mostly generated by the
respondents
Wastes
Chemicals
Wigs.Hairs and weave on

of waste
Types
Aluminium(cans)/metals
Plastic
Food waste
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Frequency
Frequency
This was to determine the type(s) waste that are mostly generated in the respondent’s
area, household, shops or street. It was made a multiple answer question hence the
total three hundred and thirty-seven answers were recorded as shown in Table 4.1.
52.23% of the answers given were valid for food waste making it the mostly generated
waste. Other class of waste with significant percentage are glass at 27.39%, paper at
35.03%, plastic at 26.11% and polythene/sachet of water and beverages with41.40%
hence positively supporting (Nwachukwu, 2010) studies and argument that polythene
bags, pieces of clothes, foodstuff, plastic and paper materials forms the main
component of the waste. Also, from the Fig 4.6 above, it is evident that although food
waste accounts for the mostly generated waste in sierra Leones. However, when these
waste becomes classified into organic/biodegradable; recyclable; hazardous; and
non- degradable wastes, the recyclable classification topples to become the highest
class of waste generated in Onitsha with glass at 27.39%, paper at 35.03%, plastic at
26.11%; polythene/sachet of water and beverages with 41.40%; aluminum at 10.83 %;
wigs, hairs and weave-on at 7.64% and electronic gadget at 3.78% forming its
constituents. Furthermore, the respondents were asked if they think their waste
generation level has increased over the years and what could be the reason for
the increased waste generation if their answer is affirmative. Hence Fig 4.7 depicts the
respondents’ opinion.
Figure 4.2.1: Typical waste site in bomeh dumping site

Reason for increase in waste generation
Has your waste generation
level increase over the years?
Business expansion
Increase in the…
Increase
in… No
Increased income 7%
Increased…
0 20 40 60 80 100
Increas Ye
e in the s
Increas Increas Busines
Increas number
ed e in s No
ed of
consum package expansi
income family
ption d food on
membe
rs Yes
Frequency 89 42 64 38 69 93%
Frequency
(a) (b)
Figure 4.8: Respondents’ reason for increase in waste generation
As clearly depicted in Fig 4.8b, majority of the respondents responded in affirmation

that their waste generation level has increased over the past years. This in total
accounted for 93% of the responses received. Thus, the reason for the increase was
asked. All the reasons showing in Fig 8a were considered because they are not mutually
exclusive hence the question was opened for multiple answers. The chart shows that
many of the respondents chose “increase in consumption level” the most. Being a
commercial hub, and a city suffering from the perils of urbanization, the result confirms
the true situation. More of bomeh residents are getting richer, population is on the
increase, commercial activities are also on the rise hence the response from the
respondents. But how do the residents store/collect the resultant waste of their
consumption and production activities in the city and who collects the generated waste
after wards? Figure 4.9 will give insight on these questions.
Fig 4.9: Ways of storing/collecting waste before disposal
In Fig 4.9, all the available waste collection methods adopted in sierra Leone are clearly
stated. Like in every other parts of Nigeria, it is common that a waste generator/resident
of bomeh adopts two or three if not all the options listed for waste storage. However,
judging from the chart shows that the residents of bomeh east end area mostly adopts
storing in a polythene bag/sack or in waste bins more. An interesting observation
would be the existence of those who do not store their waste. No storage -direct
disposal is mostly practiced among street-hawkers on the streets of Freetown and
other parts of Sierra Leone. The roads and paths are their dumps. They discard
whatever rubbish that came out of their product incessantly hence why most road
they hawk on are all filled with waste. This is a serious concern but it is very saddening
that no measures are put in place to monitor and control this. In the chart above, it is
clear that waste management personnel are either short-staffed or not carrying out
their responsibilities as required.
A huge portion of the respondents answered collects their service on their own. This is
not just a problem for waste generator but also for the community as most of the
collected waste end up in almost every part of the city.
Picture 4.2.2: Waste wrapped/stored in polythene bags/sacked dumped on street

corner in eastern area Freetown.
I do not know what

Do you separate your waste?
waste separation is
17%
Yes
11%
No
72%
No Yes I do not know what waste separation is
Fig 4.9*: Waste separation attitude
Waste separation/segregation is not a common practice in Sierra Leone in general.

Waste are not separated from the point of generation or even storage rather they are
all packed together. From Fig 4.9*, one would clearly see that only 10.8% of the
respondents separate their waste. These 10% are assumed to be only a few residing in
the high-class areas of bomeh. 72% responded that they do not separate. This shows
that although a
good number of eastern end residents understands what waste separation, they do
not separate. The figure also shows strong awareness as against the 17.2% that do not
know what waste separation entails.
Picture 4.2.3: Overflowing waste skip in Freetown

This is a typical sight when it comes to waste management in Freetown. In almost all
the streets and points where wastes are being disposed, skips and bins are seen
overflowing with solid waste. The current facilities, infrastructures and manpower
available does not match what is currently plaguing the city – urbanization and
overpopulation. Hence, such gory sight at almost every nook and cranny of the city.
4.3 APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR IN SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT IN bomeh
Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in the case of solid waste management
in bomeh as an example, the questions that will form the basis of argument for the
case formation for the residents would be:
1. Attitude: Do you believe solid waste management is important? A good use of
time? Rewarding? Hygienic/ or Do you think it is right to treat waste; Your
responsibility?
2. Subjective norms: Do the people who are important to you (parents, colleagues,
friends engage in waste management? Would they approve of you engaging in
it? Do they think you should engage in it? Would you copy them if they do?
3. Behavioral control: Do you have opportunities to efficiently manage your solid
waste? Are there recycling bins or other solid waste management infrastructures
nearby? Do you know how to recycle? Is recycling easy? Does the city provide
the resources you need to be part of solid management process? How often do
you use them?
a. Perceived behavioral control in this scenario would be: Does the city
provide bins, waste separation bags for me to use, whereas actual
behavioral control is: Will you be able to use the waste bin if it were to be
X km (location) away or near your house, shop or warehouse etc.?
The answers to these questions contribute to a person’s intention to engage in the act.
It does not mean that they will absolutely engage in solid waste management or not,
but it means that they are more likely to seek out and participate in it if they intend to.
It’s important to note that in the case of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived
behavioural control, the theory does not measure a person’s actual ability to support
the process (solid waste management), but rather their perceptions of solid waste
management and of the people/infrastructure around them. The people in their life may
feel negative about solid waste management, but if the person believes that they
support it, that belief will inform their intentions more than the reality. The chart and
figures depicts the responses collected from the residents through a section in the
questionnaire specifically designed from all the questions formed from the application
of TPB.
Do you know that waste can Do you think it is right to treat
be transformed to waste waste
No Maybe
5% 2%
Maybe No
24% 20%
Yes Yes
71% 78%
No Yes Maybe Yes No Maybe
(a) (b)
Do you think that waste management

is the sole responsibility of the government?
No
46%
Yes
54
%
Yes No
Fig 4.3.1: Awareness and attitude towards solid waste management
Attitudes: the outcome of the responses in Fig 4.3.1 (a&b) are almost the same. The
outcomes clearly answer the third research question. It shows that majority of Onitsha
residents understands and are properly aware of the importance of sustainable waste
management. With 77.7% and 70.7% of the respondents answering in affirmation. This
significantly shows a high correlation between the ugly solid waste management status
in Onitsha and what the perception of the whole situation from the residents is. Hence
supporting the argument that the respondents have strong and positive opinions about
solid waste management situation in Onitsha but their attitude towards its management
is influenced by many factors. In the third chart in Fig 4.3.1, although the responses are
relatively close, a substantial percentage believes that solid waste management is the
sole of the government. In this case, the responsibility of the state and local government
environmental protection agencies hence supporting (Ogwueleka, 2009) and (Iriruaga,
2006) argument that waste collection is a service mainly rendered by the public sector.
With just a handful answering “maybe” in (a) and (b), this perhaps could be because of
how uninformed they are or their indifference attitude towards solid waste
management. Onitsha in general is a place where some small and medium enterprises
benefits from the waste generated from the city. These ranges from enterprises making
polythene bags out of already used/disposed ones or paper making enterprises/mills
making new exercise books out of old and disposed paper waste. However, there seem
to be no incentive or small portion of such enterprises in the city hence the inability to
match the waste generation rate.
Will having the dumpsters close make you use them?

No
0
%
Maybe
30%
Yes
70%
Yes Maybe No
Fig 4.3.2: Attitude

Subjective norm: Fig 4.3.2 evidently shows that individual’s normative belief is strong
as a good percentage of the respondents believes and agree that they will copy the
people who are important to them if they are engaged in any form of solid waste
management activities/programme. However, another part of subjective norm to
consider is the individual’s motivation. This can be said to be depicted in the 33.1% in
Fig 4.3.4 that may or may not copy anyone they consider important. To them there must
be a need or motivation to comply to what others want or expect hence they choose to
stand in-between pending when such need or necessity to give in to others opinion arise.
Would you be involved in waste management if there infrastructures

in place?
No
3%
Maybe
38%
Yes
59
%
Yes Maybe 3rd Qtr
Fig 4.3.3: intention and provision of infrastructure
Would you emulate those important to you if they are engaged

in any form of solid waste management?
Maybe, 33%
Yes, 60%
No, 7%
Yes No Maybe
Fig 4.3.4: Subjective norm influenced by those important to them
From Fig 4.3.2 and Fig 4.3.3 above, over half of the responses strongly agree that having
infrastructures in place and close to them will make them be involved of sustainably
dispose their waste in the designated dumpsters. Interestingly, this validates their
responses in fig 4.3.1b. On this context, it is evident that Perceived Behavioural Control
(PCB) is strong as more than half of the respondents believe they will act in a different
way rather positive when the resources/infrastructure for waste management are
within.
4.4 Summary of Key Findings
This study focuses on establishing a baseline description of solid waste management in
Onitsha, a commercial city which has been tagged the dirtiest city in the world by WHO
in their recent report. The study aims to describe and explain the current waste
management system and practices in Freetown bomeh , identify factors influencing
waste management in bomeh, the resident’s attitude, knowledge and commonly
adopted solid waste management practices and as well identify the challenges and the
limitations. The key findings of the study show:
 Solid waste management is indeed a very pressing environmental issue in
bomeh and that a high percentage of the residents are aware of it hence
supporting the argument that people’s knowledge about environmental issues
can be drawn based on geographic scale/location (Chan, 1998)
 The solid waste management practices adopted by residents of bomeh is
negative although with high environmental awareness. Bad disposal attitude is a
common practice which is why many of the residents dispose their waste
incessantly on the street, drainage systems, flowing river etc.
 The study also observed that the propensity of the residents’ attitude is towards
adopting better solid waste management practices is hampered by several
infrastructural inadequacies, poor awareness and short-staffed personnel
In general, the success of a sustainable and working solid waste management system in
bomeh and in Sierra Leone in general is hampered by many factors. These can
summarily be categorized into economic factors, institutional factors technical factors,
psychological factors, cultural factors, social and educational factors. bomeh is a city
plagued by over population and urbanization. Although its population judging from the
number that permanently resides in the city is moderately acceptable compared to
other commercial cities in Sierra Leone. However, having one of the biggest markets in
west Africa in it seems to be worsening the status of solid waste management in the
city day by day. Its major peril is rooted on the daytime population which is almost the
triple of its original population. This has given rise to why waste generation has been
on the increase. A survey on the cause of the increased generation was conducted and
the result significantly identified increased consumption and business expansion as the
major contributor to the rapid rise in waste generation rate. This on the other
hand is
correlatively linked to how rich businesses has grown and how the purchasing power
has increased over the years. Irrespective of how wealthier the city is getting,
environment is somewhat not a priority. Adequate policies or regulation are not put
in place neither are the residents enlightened on the benefits and importance of
sustainable commercial environment.
In Sierra Leone in general, there is inadequacy of policies or regulations aimed at
minimizing waste generation. (Agunwamba, 1998) argued that plays an important
role as consumers buy products based on their prices rather than their
environmental friendliness. The researcher also argued that is no form of public
sensitivity or awareness on the relationship between products and the environment
hence, the manufacturing sector is not motivated effectively to reduce production
and packaging waste. This is the exact status of bomeh currently. Interests lie mainly
on profitability which is at the at the expense of environmental protection.
(Agunwamba, 1998) also elucidated that poor waste disposal habit of the people,
corruption, weak government regulation, poor work attitude, lack of fund,
inadequate facilities such as plants and equipment among others are factors
militating against effective· waste management towards sustainable development in
sierra leone as a whole. Judging from the Waste management situation in Freetown
currently requires concerted effort to sensitize the public on the need for proper
disposal of solid waste. Also, the officials should be well trained on professionalism,
service delivery and ensure that other states within the country have access to
quality waste managers who are within reach and can assist on the best approach to
managing their waste before collection (Attah, 2016).
-
52
4.0 Conclusion and Recommendation
The finding of the study identified sustainable solid waste management

as a pressing need in Onitsha. However, the residents’ attitude, behaviors,
available infrastructure contributes immensely to the current state of
solid waste management in the city. Hence the need for a change in the
attitude and behaviors of the residents. People are recalcitrant towards
waste management in Onitsha but this seems to be greatly influenced
because the city is a commercial city. The residents and the authorities
seem to focus more on the economic and commercial proceeds coming out
of the trading activities going on in the city. With reference to above
concluding statement, the following recommendation will go a long way to
setting a better and workable solid waste management plan in Onitsha
❖ Public awareness, enlightenment and campaigns on the

need for a better solid waste management system. The public
should be enlightened on the dangers of poor solid waste
management and the importance of sustainable waste
management and health living.
❖ Provision of adequate waste management infrastructures.
❖ Enforcement of stiffer waste management laws that will

attract penalty to offenders
❖ Implementing the Onitsha Master Plan as developed by

Urban Habitat and Anambra State Government. The
implementation of this has been a mirage over the years
however, when it finally comes to fruition, a big achievement
will be made in the solid waste management in Onitsha.
❖ Employment of more solid waste management workers

and the retraining of the ones already in the system.
❖ Encouraging recycling, use of landfills and controlled

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53
dumping of waste by contractors.
❖ Collaboration between the city, government and private

investors to seek out ways to curtail and manage solid waste
problem in the city.
❖ Establishment of monitoring sanitary/health team for the

monitoring and supervision of household, business premises,
with respect to adopting better solid waste management
practices.
-
54
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Demographia. (2018, May 22). DEMOGRAPHIA WORLD URBAN AREAS (Built Up
Urban Areas or World Agglomerations) -14th Annual Edition. Retrieved
from Demographia.com: http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf
FRN. (1992). Official Gazette. Federal Republic of Nigeria. Gaurav K., S., Kunal, G.,
& Shashank, C. (2014). Solid Waste Management: Its Sources,
Collection,Transportation and Recycling . International Journal of UNEP-
GRID. (2018, May 17). What is Waste: A Multitude of Approaches
and Definitions. Retrieved from United Nations Environment
Programme: GRID GENEVA:
http://www.grid.unep.ch/waste/download/waste0607.PDF
UN-ESCAP. (2018, May 17). Chapter Eight: Introduction and types of
wate. Retrieved from UN-ESCAP web site:
http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/CH08.PDF
Uyen Nguyen, N., & Hans, S. (2009). Sustainable solutions for solid waste
management in Southeast Asian countries. Waste Management,
1982-1995.
WHO. (2016, May 21). WHO’s Urban Ambient Air Pollution database ‐
Update 2016. Retrieved from World Health
Organization web site:
http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/AAP_da
tabase_sum mary_results_2016_v02.pdf?ua=1
Zerbock, O. (2003, April 24). Urban Solid Waste Management:Waste
Reduction in Developing Nations. Retrieved from
appropriatetechnology.wikispaces.com website:
https://appropriatetechnology.wikispaces.com/file/view/Waste_reducti
on_and_i ncineration_FINAL.pdf
-
57
4.0 Conclusion and Recommendation
The finding of the study identified sustainable solid waste management

as a pressing need in Onitsha. However, the residents’ attitude, behaviors,
available infrastructure contributes immensely to the current state of
solid waste management in the city. Hence the need for a change in the
attitude and behaviors of the residents. People are recalcitrant towards
waste management in Onitsha but this seems to be greatly influenced
because the city is a commercial city. The residents and the authorities
seem to focus more on the economic and commercial proceeds coming out
of the trading activities going on in the city. With reference to above
concluding statement, the following recommendation will go a long way to
setting a better and workable solid waste management plan in Onitsha
❖ Public awareness, enlightenment and campaigns on the

need for a better solid waste management system. The public
should be enlightened on the dangers of poor solid waste
management and the importance of sustainable waste
management and health living.
❖ Provision of adequate waste management infrastructures.
❖ Enforcement of stiffer waste management laws that will

attract penalty to offenders
❖ Implementing the Onitsha Master Plan as developed by

Urban Habitat and Anambra State Government. The
implementation of this has been a mirage over the years
however, when it finally comes to fruition, a big achievement
will be made in the solid waste management in Onitsha.
❖ Employment of more solid waste management workers

and the retraining of the ones already in the system.
❖ Encouraging recycling, use of landfills and controlled

-
58
dumping of waste by contractors.
❖ Collaboration between the city, government and private

investors to seek out ways to curtail and manage solid waste
problem in the city.
❖ Establishment of monitoring sanitary/health team for the

monitoring and supervision of household, business premises,
with respect to adopting better solid waste management
practices.
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59
References
Adekunle, I. A. (2011).
Recycling of organic wastes through composting for land applications: A
Nigerian experience. Waste Management Journal, 582-593.
Agunwamba, J. (1998).
Solid Waste Management in Nigeria: Problems and Issues. Environmental
Management, 849-856.
Agwunwaba, J.
O.K, U., & Onyebuenyi, I. (1998). Solid Waste Management in Onitsha.
Waste Management and Research, 23-31.
Ajzen, I. (1991).
Theory of Planned Behaviour. Organizational Behaviour and Human Decision
Processes, 179-211.
Amjad, N., & Wood, A. (2009).
Identifying and changing the normative beliefs about aggression which lead
young Muslim adults to join extremist anti-Semitic groups in Pakistan.
Aggressive Behaviour, 514-519
APO.
(2007). Overview of Solid Waste Management in Asian Countries. Tokyo:
Asian Productivity Organizationb
Attah, E. Y. (2016).
Waste Management and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Study of
Anambra State Waste Management Agency.
Bakare,
Solid Waste Management in Nigeria. Retrieved from Bioenergy consult
website: https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/solid-wastenigeria/ Basel. (1989,
March 22).
. Chan
K. (1998). Mass communication and proenvironmental behaviour: waste
recycling in Hong Kong. Journal of Environmental Management (1998) 52,
317–325.
Assessment of Hydrogeophysical and Geotechnical Properties in Central Part
of Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Geophysics and
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60
Geochemistry , Vol.3, No.2, 6-13.
OBSSR. (2018, June 5). Social and Behavioural Theory: Theory and Why it is
Important. Retrieved from Office of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Researchwebsite:
http://www.esourceresearch.org/eSourceBook/SocialandBehavioralTheories/
3T heoryandWhyItisImportant/tabid/727/Default.aspx
OECD. (2012, September 10). Nigeria. Retrieved from Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development:
https://www.oecd.org/swac/publications/Nigeria_eversion_en
WHO. (2016, May 21). WHO’s Urban Ambient Air Pollution database ‐ Update 2016.
Retrieved from World Health Organization web site:
http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/AAP_database_s
um mary_results_2016_v02.pdf?ua=1
Adekunle, I. A. (2011). Recycling of organic wastes through composting for land
applications: A Nigerian experience. Waste Management Journal, 582-593.
Agunwamba, J. (1998). Solid Waste Management in Nigeria: Problems and
Issues. Environmental Management, 849-856.
UNEP-GRID. (2018, May 17). What is Waste: A Multitude of Approaches and
Definitions. Retrieved from United Nations Environment Programme: GRID
GENEVA: http://www.grid.unep.ch/waste/download/waste0607.PD
Iriruaga, E. T. (2006, May 30). Solid Waste Management in Nigeria. Retrieved from
Dwaste website: https://www.dwaste.com/
Nwachukwu, M. U. (2010). Solid Waste Generation and Disposal in a Nigerian City: An
Empirical Analysis in. Journal of Environmental Management and Safety
Onitsha Metropolis, 180-191.
Basel. (1989, March 22). BASEL CONVENTION ON THE CONTROL OF
TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENTS OF HAZARDOUS WASTES AND
-
61
THEIR DISPOSAL. Retrieved from website of the Convention - Basel
Convention : www.basel.int:
http://www.basel.int/Portals/4/Basel%20Convention/docs/text/BaselConvent
ion Text-e.pdf
Demographia. (2018, May 22). DEMOGRAPHIA WORLD URBAN AREAS (Built Up
Urban Areas or World Agglomerations) -14th Annual Edition. Retrieved
from Demographia.com: http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf
FRN. (1992). Official Gazette. Federal Republic of Nigeria. Gaurav K., S., Kunal, G.,
& Shashank, C. (2014). Solid Waste Management: Its Sources,
Collection,Transportation and Recycling . International Journal of UNEP-
GRID. (2018, May 17). What is Waste: A Multitude of Approaches
and Definitions. Retrieved from United Nations Environment
Programme: GRID GENEVA:
http://www.grid.unep.ch/waste/download/waste0607.PDF
UN-ESCAP. (2018, May 17). Chapter Eight: Introduction and types of
wate. Retrieved from UN-ESCAP web site:
http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/CH08.PDF
Uyen Nguyen, N., & Hans, S. (2009). Sustainable solutions for solid waste
management in Southeast Asian countries. Waste Management,
1982-1995.
WHO. (2016, May 21). WHO’s Urban Ambient Air Pollution database ‐
Update 2016. Retrieved from World Health
Organization web site:
http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/AAP_da
tabase_sum mary_results_2016_v02.pdf?ua=1
Zerbock, O. (2003, April 24). Urban Solid Waste Management:Waste
Reduction in Developing Nations. Retrieved from
-
62
APPENDIX
INFORMATION SHEET
Dear Sir,
I am Cecilia Dauda a public health student at, at Milton margay technical
university. I am in the process of making my winter project, the top being
―solid waste managenment and its health hazards, a case study at bomeh‖
As part of my primary data collection, I would need only a few minutes of
your time to fill out a questionnaire which forms a comprehensive part of my
research. Your responds hold a grate significant in my quest of data
collection.
Procedure: the study will consist of semi structured questionnaire which
will be administered by the researcher to the study participants and it will
take approximately 10-15 minutes of your time.
Approval and permission for the study has been obtain from
Department of Industrial technology and Njala University as a whole.
Please fell free to ask me or my supervisor any question you have about this
study and your participation in the study.
Contact numbers
I can be contacted for clarity on:
………………………
My Supervisor
Mr Mohamed Sannoh
+23278308475
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63
CONSENT FORM
CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE STUDY
I Cecilia Dauda confirm that I have been fully informed about the study
and I am participating willingly. The purpose, risk, benefit of the study have
been thoroughly explained to me. I am aware that the result of the study
which includes my personal details will be anonymously processed in the
research reports. I have been provided with the opportunity to ask questions
and have no objection to participation in this study. I have been made to
understand that should I at any stage during the study wish to withdraw my
withdrawal will have no effect or consequence in any way.
Participant Signature ………………………………

Date : …………………………………….
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64
SECTION 1: DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO – ECONOMIC
DATA
1 SEX: Male [ ] Female [ ]
2 AGE:
3 HIGHEST ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION: Primary education [ ]. Secondary
education[ ]. Polytechnic/university education [ ]. Vocational[ ]. No formal education [
2. Occupation: Business [ ]. Civil servant [ ]. Student [ ] Others: Please specify…………….
3. How many people live in your house? 1-3[ ]. 4-6 [ ]. 7-9[ ]. 10 and above [ ]
SECTION 2: To examine the nature of solid waste, trend and disposal

methods in Onitsha.
7 What sort of are mostly generated around your area, in your household/place of work?
a) Food waste ( ):
b) Paper ( ):
c) Plastic ( ):
d) Glass ( ):
e) Aluminum(cans)/Metal ( ):
f) Polythene/ Sachets of water [ ]:
g) Hairs and weave-on ( ) :
h) Electronic gadgets ( ) :
i) Chemicals ( ):
j) Blocks/concretes/tiles from construction ( ):
k) Electronics [ ]
8.Do you think your waste generation level has increased over the years?
Yes [ ]. No [ ]
11. What could be the cause of this?
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65
a) Increased number of consumption [ ].
b) Increased income [ ].
c) Increase in packaged food [ ].
d) Population growth []
12. How do you store/collect your waste before disposal?
No of Days
In a closed container
In an open container
In a polythene bag/sack
Waste bins
Please tick if this applies
No storage—direct disposal
to
dump
Others [ ] please specify………………………
13. Do you separate your solid waste before disposing? YES [ ]. No [ ]

14. Who collects the waste in your house?
a) Collected by the waste management agency [ ]
b) Collected by the waste agency contractor [ ]
c) Collected by owner’s contractor [ ]
d) No collection service ( done by owner ) [ ]
15. Where do you empty/dispose your waste?

a) Drainage channels like gutter [ ].
b) Nearby bush [ ].
c) Dump stand [ ].
d) Along the road/Street [ ].
e) In the stream [ ]
f) Burn [ ]
g) Burry [ ]
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66
h) Recycle/ Reuse [ ]
i) Compost [ ]
Section 3: To determine factors that influence household solid

waste disposal attitude
17. Do you have dumpsters/ large bins in your vicinity? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
18. How often do you use them?
a) Often [ ].
b) Occasionally [ ].
c) Not at all [ ].
19. Are there different dumpsters for different class of wastes? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
20. How often do you see the dumpsters overflowing with
waste/garbage in your area?
a) Often [ ].
b) Occasionally [ ].
c) Not at all [ ].
21. How often are the dumpsters emptied by ANSEPA workers?
a) Daily [ ]
b) weekly [ ]
c) monthly [ ].
d) Occasionally [ ]
e) Not at all
22. Do you think the dumpsters in your area are enough? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
23. Would you pay/contribute to have more dumpsters installed? YES [
]. NO [ ]
24. Where are the dumpsters located?
a) Close to houses/shops [ ].
b) Street junctions [ ].
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67
c) In another street [ ]
25. Will having the dumpsters close to you make you use them often? YES [ ].
NO [ ]
26. How will you describe the management of these dumpsters?
a) Very satisfactory [ ]
b) Satisfactory [ ]
c) Not satisfactory [ ]
d) Worse [ ]
27. Would you pay to have more shops or more and improved waste
management systems like dumpsters, bins recycling plants etc to be built in
Onitsha?
a) More shops [ ].
b) More waste systems[ ]
c) More buildings
28. Do people dump their waste beside the garbage bins instead of putting it
inside those? Yes [ ]. No [ ].
If Yes, What could be the cause?
a) Over flowing bins
b) Difficult to put waste inside the bin due to height of the bin
c) Difficult to put waste inside the bin due to waste and litter spread
around the bin
d) Stray animals (dogs, mouse and birds etc.
e) Any other reason ………………………..
28. Are there any recycling programmes in your locality/area/ward?
YES [ ]. NO [ ]
29. Are you involved in any recycling or waste management activity or
programme? YES [ ]. NO [ ].
If NO, why?
a) I don’t care [ ].
b) Lack of such programmes in my area [ ]
c) I don’t know how [ ]
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68
30. Do you know that some wastes could be transformed to wealth? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
31. Do you think it is right to treat/manage waste? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
32. Are your parents/friends/relatives/colleagues or neighbours involved in any
form of waste treatment? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
33. Would you copy them if they are involved into any? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
34. Would you be involved if there are waste management infrastructures in
place? YES [ ]. NO [ ]
35. Do you think that waste management is the sole responsibility of the
government? YES [ ]. NO [ ].
-
69

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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ITS HEALTH

HAZARDS, A CASE STUDY OF BOMEH.

A dissertation submitted to the department of public health, Milton

Mr. Mohamed Sannoh

I dedicate this work to God Almighty.

3.0 Use Of Theory

4.1 SAMPLE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 30

4.4 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS ......................................................................................................... 43

APHRC – African Population and Health Research Center

CBO – Community Based Organization

CVC – Carcinogenic Vinyl Chloride

EMCA – Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act

FGD – Focus Group Discussion

IDI – In Depth Interview MSW – Municipal Solid Waste

NEMA – National Environmental Management Authority

NGO – Non-Governmental Organization

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

SWM – Solid Waste Management

UNEP – United Nation Environmental Program

FCC - Freetown City Council

The rapid urbanization in the developing countries of Africa, uncontrolled and

Management of solid waste is an enormous challenge in developing countries all

Such poor management of solid waste is a general problem in Sierra Leone.

This chapter touched on the background of the study, problem statement,

“Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative,

In subsequent sections in this chapter, a review analysis will be made on solid

Table 2.1 : Solid-waste Components in eastern area

Food waste 40.5

Plastic polythene 17.9

Rubber, leather, textile, wood 10.1

Fig 2.1 : Solid-waste Components in bomeh Metropolis

Plastic polythene Food waste

2.1 Solid Waste Collection in Onitsha

2.3 Health hazard of solid waste management in kissy dockyard

2.4 Solution on Health hazard of solid waste management in kissy

 Environmental Impact Assessment Act Of 1992

3.1 Use of theory

Source: (Ajzen, 1991)

Attitude: This seeks to cover the individual’s attitude, or individual opinion, on

Where n = sample size

Fig 4.1: Gender of the respondents

25-34 yrs (52)

How many people live in your house

Wigs.Hairs and weave on

Figure 4.2.1: Typical waste site in bomeh dumping site

As clearly depicted in Fig 4.8b, majority of the respondents responded in affirmation

Picture 4.2.2: Waste wrapped/stored in polythene bags/sacked dumped on street

I do not know what

No Yes I do not know what waste separation is

Fig 4.9*: Waste separation attitude

Waste separation/segregation is not a common practice in Sierra Leone in general.

Picture 4.2.3: Overflowing waste skip in Freetown

No Yes Maybe Yes No Maybe

Do you think that waste management

Fig 4.3.1: Awareness and attitude towards solid waste management

Will having the dumpsters close make you use them?

Fig 4.3.2: Attitude

Would you be involved in waste management if there infrastructures

Yes Maybe 3rd Qtr

Fig 4.3.3: intention and provision of infrastructure