Evaluation of water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Ekosodin Community of Ovia North-East LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, poor access to improved water and sanitation remains a major contributing factor to high morbidity and mortality rates among the populace. Thus, access to water supply and sanitation is essential for sustainable development. In this study, a cross sectional descriptive survey method was adopted. Data were collected via questionnaires and observational checklist which were designed to extract information on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). The data were then, analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26.0). Four hundred and twenty (420) semi-structured questionnaires were administered to households in Ekosodin Community. Three hundred and ninety seven (397) copies were retrieved and thus analysed. Results indicated that 374 (94.2%) households reported having access to water and that borehole was their main source of water supply. Over 130 (32.7%) household reported not treating their water before use. Types of toilet facilities frequently use by households were water closet system (flush toilet) 243 (61.2%) and pit latrine 85 (21.4%). However, households practice open defecation at low levels 6 (1.5%). Solid waste disposal methods mainly adopted by households are: open dumpsite 224 (56.4%) and burning 150 (37.8%). Majority of the households cleaned their water storage containers every six months or annually. Results further revealed that most of the respondents 382 (96.2%) practice hand washing after toilet 82 (20.65%), before cooking 79 (19.89%), before eating 55 (13.85%) and every other time 94 (23.6%) excluding the aforementioned, after cooking, after eating and after handling children’s faeces. It was observed that 243 (57.9%) houses have no drainage system, 237 (56.4%) have no waste storage facility, 312 (74.3%) have refuse dumpsite and 354 (84.3%) did not have odour of excreta in the surrounding. It was deduced from this study that households have poor access to adequate WASH facilities/services. Hence, it is recommended that water supply infrastructures, sanitation infrastructures and promotion of hygiene should be enhanced in order to improve access to adequate WASH facilities/services in the community.