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ABSTRACT
The assessment of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices of Aduwawa and Oregbeni markets situated in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State was conducted in this study. The WASH practices was evaluated from respondents’ opinion used questionnaire technique. Water samples were obtained from various sources and tested for both physicochemical and microbiological qualities. The result findings indicated pH values ranged from 5.57 – 5.70 (Aduwawa market) and 5.04 – 5.55 (Oregbeni market) respectively. Chloride concentrations in water samples from Aduwawa and Oregbeni markets ranged 17.75 – 35.50mg/l and 17.75 – 35.50mg/ respectively. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) ranged from 0.40 – 0.60mg/l and 0.70-0.80mg/l for Aduwawa and Oregbeni respectively. Chromium concentrations in the water samples from Aduwawa and Oregbeni markets ranged from 0.02-0.16mg/land 0.05-0.10mg/l respectively. The total heterotrophic bacterial count in water samples from Aduwawa and Oregbeni markets ranged from 4.0×10– 9.5×10cfu/ml and 3.0×10– 6.6×10cfu/ml respectively. The total fungal count in water samples from Aduwawa and Oregbeni markets ranged from 1.0×10– 4.0×10cfu/ml and 2.0×10– 3.0×10cfu/ml respectively. Coliform counts revealed most probable number (MPN) in water samples from Aduwawa market ranging from 7MPN/100ml - 120MPN/100ml. Respondents opinions on WASH practices indicated that although water was available at the toilet facilities, soap which is also essential for complete toilet hygiene was not readily available. Some toilet facilities were also poorly managed thus posing the likelihood of transmission of infections. The findings of the study suggest the need for improved toilet facilities to ensure that WASH practices are carried out by market users.
