Public sector management of municipal solid waste in an emerging metropolitan setting

Abstract

This study examined issues in municipal waste management as varied as sources of waste, level of compliance with waste management policies and the extent of public satisfaction with waste management service in an emerging metropolitan setting in Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires, backed up with interviews from 42 senior staff of Niger State Environmental Protection Agency, 19 sanitary inspectors, 527 household-heads and 210 commercial business operators in Minna metropolis – the case study area. For the purpose of analysis, the data were analysed by the use of frequency count, 5-point Likert scale, mean score, relative importance index and the Spearman rank correlation test. The empirical findings from this paper revealed that markets, residential properties in high density areas and commercial properties were the three topmost ranked sources of solid waste generation, while residential properties in high density areas, schools and hotels respectively were the least generating sources of waste in the study area. Based on the perception of the households, the study also showed a high proportion of dissatisfaction with the public waste management services in the study area. This study concluded that some of the existing waste management practices must be further strengthened by the appropriate authorities. For example, our study was indicative of the lack of enforcement of waste management standards by the appropriate authority, poor quality of services provided, and the carefree attitude of the public towards waste management as severe bottlenecks to waste management services in Minna. As a recommendation, these challenges merit consideration from policy makers and the state waste management agency so as to evolve a sustainable waste management practice for Minna metropolis.