Health and Economic Implications of Waste Dumpsites in Cities: The Case of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Refuse dumpsites are found both within and on the outskirts of cities in Nigeria and due to poor and ineffective management, the dumpsites turn to sources of health hazards to people living in the vicinity of such dumps. This study is therefore designed to examine, in quantitative terms, the health and economic implications of solid waste disposal among sampled residents of two major refuse disposal dumps in Lagos, Nigeria. The data used for the study was generated from the primary source, while the SPSS software was used in the data analyses. In addition to the descriptive analysis which forms the bedrock for the conclusion drawn in this paper, both the linear probability and ordinary least squares regression models were also used in the analyses. The models examined the determinants of health status as well as the labour supply of the sampled respondents respectively. The results show that pollution variables are statistically significant in the determination of health status as well as the labour supply performance of respondents. Based on these findings, policy measures that would enhance the health status and improved labour market performance of residents were put forward.