Assessing the Effects of Solid Wastes on Urban Flooding: A case study of Isale Koko

Abstract

The management of solid waste continues to be a major challenge in urban areas throughout the world particularly in the rapidly growing cities of the developing world such as Ilorin. This study aimed at identifying the contribution of Solid Wastes to the incessant flooding and its primary cause in Isale koko in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara state. A reconnaissance survey was conducted for the purpose of observing the condition of the engineering structures, the residents, and the magnitude of loss caused after it experienced another episode of flood. Focal point interviews were carried out with use of 100 structured questionnaires, 94 returned for data collection. Solid wastes in drains were quantified and characterized to identify the classes of wastes present in the existing drainages. Descriptive statistical analysis was used on the data. Results showed 86 (91.7%) of the respondents have suffered loss or destruction of properties due to flood, while 8 (8.3%) had their houses destroyed. Of the respondents, 33 (35.2%) dispose their waste once a day, 19 (20.5%) dispose it once in 2 days, and 42 (44.3%) dispose once in a week. Also, 19 (20%) dispose their waste in the public bin, 12 (13%) inside the valley, 9 (9%) by the roadside and 40 (43%) on an open space, 14 (15%) dispose by burning, all ending up in drains during floods. Solid wastes in drains consist mainly plastics (80%), paper (10%), wood (10%), and occupied 20% of drainage volume. It is therefore concluded that uneven channeling and solid wastes in drains contributed to flood in Isale koko.