Waste Management and Control Problems in Sokoto Metropolis: Projected Mitigation on the Syndrome

Abstract

This study assessed the nature of solid waste generation, its spatio-temporal pattern and existing management strategies in Sokoto metropolis. The greatest challenges facing cities in the developing world are; paucity of solid waste management and control. In the Nigeria context, solid waste management is characterized by inefficient collection, insufficient coverage of the collection system and improper disposal methods. In Sokoto metropolis, increase in population has resulted into accelerated of solid waste generation with pollution of all categories, and the consequent is dearth of modern management. The study used; selection of different wastes for observation, sampling-up four sub-soils at 0-30cm at random from each of the waste dump sites to determine not only for heavy metal concentrations but also for fertility supplement in comparison with the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Also, fifty scheduled questionnaires were administered each on selected residents around dumped sites and to the staff of Town Planning Board to solicit for relevant information on government and its agencies effectiveness in disposal and management of waste. Landsat data was also used to map out the waste sites for spatio-temporal analysis from 1999 to 2016. Results are expected to inform major decisions makers and urban planners in order to promote a sustainable urban development for Sokoto metropolis and its environs. Keywords: developing world, protection agencies, Metropolis, urban planners, Sokoto