SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND URBAN DRAINAGE BLOCKAGE AS DRIVERS OF FLOOD RISK IN YENAGOA METROPOLIS

Abstract

The study investigated solid waste management practices and urban drainage blockage as drivers of flood risk in Yenagoa Metropolis. The study was carried out in Yenagoa Metropolis, with a focus on communities like Yenagoa, Ekeki, Amaratha, Okaka, Swali, Azikoro, Agudama, Biogbolo Epic, Opoo, Onopa, Igbogene, and Kpansia Epic. The study employed a descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The study’s population consisted of 352,285 residents. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents in areas where solid waste was produced or found prominently, across the selected communities in the study area. Solid Waste Management Practices and Urban Drainage Blockage Questionnaire (SWMPUDBQ) and “Solid Waste Management Practices and Flood Risk Questionnaire (SWMPFRQ)” were used to gather data. The instrument underwent validation and reliability testing, achieving a reliability coefficient of SWMPUDBQ = 0.834 and SWMPFRQ = 0.816 through the Cronbach’s Alpha method. The research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, as well as Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC), whereas the hypotheses were tested using an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and PPMC at a 0.05 level of significance. The study's results indicated, among others, that while residents demonstrate some level of proper waste management practices, improper disposal methods are still prevalent in Yenagoa Metropolis. The corresponding hypothesis revealed that there is no noteworthy disparity in solid waste management practices among residents across different neighbourhoods in Yenagoa Metropolis. The study concluded that while residents of Yenagoa Metropolis demonstrate some level of awareness and engagement in proper solid waste management practices, improper disposal methods such as open dumping, burning, and disposal into drains remain prevalent due to inadequate waste collection services and limited access to waste bins. The study recommended, among others, that waste management authorities should improve the efficiency and coverage of waste collection services and ensure the provision of adequate and accessible waste bins across all neighbourhoods to discourage indiscriminate waste disposal.