AN APPRAISAL OF CITIZEN’S PERCEPTION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT EFFORT IN EDO STATE: A CASE STUDY OF BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

This study focus on Wastes which comprise all the wastes arisingfrom human and animal activities that isnormally solid, discarded as useless or unwanted.Also included are by- products of process linesor materials that may be required by law to be disposed of the failure of relevant agencies to stem the tide of reckless waste dumping and littering of our cities’ infrastructure (streets and roads) and surrounding bushes indicate a clear pattern of non-enforcement or non-implementation of existing environmental sanitation laws. Aside the impact of abandoned heaps of solid wastes on the environment, one factor stands out – that is, urban decay as a social disorder. It is important to note that its eradication require new skills and technology which must be studied, understood, and implemented in order to bring about clean air and safe drinking water. The methods of collecting data for the research study will include surveys i.e. cross-sectional type of survey techniques. The findings were that a number of social disorders have been foundto accelerate the decay of major activity nuclei,particularly residential neighbourhoods in cities.The resultant effect is a rising incidence ofnon-conformance to enabling environmentalprotection or safety regulations. Consequently,the culminating effects of long violations causesevere environmental degradation: while thegaps in resources allocations remain widespreadand challenging for concise problem solvingmeasures. Certainly, the hazard associated withthe lax and time lag in disposing solid wastes isthus a challenge to all stakeholders – especiallypublic officials who must provide leadership,capacity building and funding or capital formationto facilitate and renew community service toensure smooth social services delivery to all. The issue of reduction of solid wastes fromour cities has remained a major challenge to urbanbeautification and safety of the entireurban landscape. There must be put in place aconcerted approach to waste avoidance, minimizationand reduction through modern methodsof waste management and disposal usingthe right mix of strategies sustainable in our environment.There remains an urgent need forsustainability of a clean environment, better livingconditions through awareness campaigns,public lectures to ensure a better way to live.