Sanitary Facilities Location in Nigeria: Implications for population Health

Abstract

The study examined the location of sanitary facilities particularly, the septic tank and borehole water in a typical Nigerian urban center. Field measurements were utilized to generate location data on the distance between septic tank and borehole water on twenty-two sampled points across eleven residential zones in Eket LGA of AKS. Water samples from the boreholes were analysed for physico-chemical and bacteriological properties. The chi-square test of goodness of fit was applied on the location data to examine their level of conformity with WHO baseline data; while the regression analysis was conducted to examine the effect of location of septic tanks on the quality of the borehole water. Findings showed massive non-conformity with WHO standards for minimum allowable distance between septic tank and borehole water points. Though no significant relationship was found between septic tank location and the physico-chemical properties of borehole water, the study found significant effect of location on the bacteriological load of borehole water in the area, as it degrades the quality of borehole water and also threatens population health. Intensive awareness campaign against improper location of sanitary facilities (septic tanks) alongside strict enforcement of town planning laws could go a long way in mitigating the situation.

Keywords: Sanitary facilities: location; septic tank; borehole water; Nigeria; Population

Health.

DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/54-06

Publication date: April 30^th 2019