AN APPRAISAL OF WASTE DISPOSAL CHALLENGES IN ZOO ROAD HOUSING ESTATE, KANO MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid urbanisation of Kano, Nigeria, has led to significant challenges in managing solid waste, particularly in areas like Zoo Road. The area's growing population, fuelled by commercial and industrial activities, has resulted in an unprecedented increase in waste generation, overwhelming existing waste management infrastructure. Streets were littered with refuse, including plastics, organic waste, and construction debris, contribute to environmental degradation, public health risks, and aesthetic decline. This study, on Zoo Road Housing Estate in Kano Municipal Local Government of Kano State, investigates waste management challenges with four objectives: identifying sewage, refuse, and drainage issues; assessing resident satisfaction; evaluating perceived problem severity; and proposing solutions. A quantitative survey design was employed, targeting residents of Zoo Road Housing Estate (population: ~200,000). A sample of 150 respondents was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire featuring Likert-scale and closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) were used for analysis. Findings revealed significant issues, with 82.0% noting irregular refuse collection (M=3.22), 80.0% citing blocked drainage (M=3.20), and 76.0% reporting sewage overflow (M=3.08). Dissatisfaction was high, with 86.0% dissatisfied with waste facility availability (M=1.80) and 82.0% with drainage functionality (M=1.88). Problems were perceived as severe (78.0-80.0%, M=3.10-3.18). Recommendations include increasing refuse collection frequency, maintaining sewage and drainage systems, deploying additional waste facilities, and implementing community education campaigns. These findings underscore the need for infrastructural upgrades and community engagement to enhance waste management, offering actionable insights for policymakers to improve environmental quality and urban liveability in Zoo Road.