An Appraisal of the Waste Crisis, Urban Floods and Municipal Solid Waste Management in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

Authors: Ogbonna DN* and Udotong IR

Volume 4, Issue 1

Abstract

Solid Waste Management (SWM) system has become one of the contemporary issues of the 21st century at all levels. SWM value chain from generation, storage, collection, transportation to disposal requires proper and efficient control. The volume of waste that is generated should be minimized, storage containers should be adequate and suitable, collection should be frequent, transportation vehicles should be appropriate for the purpose and disposal of wastes should be at dumpsites. Municipal Solid Waste management for that matter has become problematic with Port Harcourt as the city is being inundated with so much filth which has proven to be very difficult and seemingly impossible for the municipal authorities to tackle. Efficient MSWM systems require professional management, supported by an informed population and appropriate legislation and policies. This narrative deals to review different waste fractions showing how several sources of pollution are affecting the environment, population health, and sustainable development. This calls for scholars and stakeholders to quantify the comprehensive impacts and plan for integrated solid waste collection, disposal and treatment systems, to improve environmental sustainability at all levels.

Keywords: Municipal Solid Wastes; Environmental Contamination; Public Health; Waste Generation, Solid Waste Management; Urban Flooding, Environmental Sustainability

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