AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES IN LIMBE, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sewage refers to a combination of solid and liquid waste that is collected and transported through sewers. It can be treated or untreated before being discharged into big bodies of water (Zhang et al., 2018). Human activities produce trash that has the potential to be detrimental to the environment, wildlife, vegetation, and the overall ecosystem. Nevertheless, only meticulous management or proper disposal may mitigate the harm inflicted on the environment and preserve limited resources (Powell, 2021). Sewage disposal refers to the method of safely disposing of wastewater from residential and commercial sources. This wastewater, often consisting of a liquid with small solid particles, is conveyed through enormous pipes known as sewers to ensure its ecologically friendly disposal (Ask, 2019). The wastewater is either routed to a specified location for recycling or disposed of in a remote area to prevent the spread of infections. The proper disposal of sewage waste is crucial for safeguarding public health, preventing the spread of diseases, and mitigating water contamination caused by sewage toxins. 

The majority of cities in affluent countries possess efficient sewage disposal systems, which are complemented by technological progress. However, there have been advancements that have facilitated the use of more ecologically sustainable and beneficial methods for disposing of and treating sewage (Achankeng, 2019). Sewage systems are integral components of contemporary infrastructure and urban utilities, encompassing gas, electricity, and water delivery (Ladan, 2018). Nevertheless, garbage has consistently been a matter of apprehension in the Limbe municipality due to its high population and the presence of a minor sea port that serves as a major entry point for electrical products from Nigeria. The reference is from Ebot et al. (2019). 

It is evident that numerous communities in the municipality lack awareness regarding waste management, which has resulted in a significant issue. The majority of their waste is irresponsibly disposed of in close proximity to overgrown areas, agricultural lands, roadsides, and even in the sea. This has resulted in significant health issues, as the majority of these sites are utilised for alternative purposes. The sea is a popular destination for teenagers to swim during their free time. However, it is important to note that the water may include solid waste, which can lead to health issues such as allergies and infections. In addition, numerous rivers are utilised as disposal sites, which also leads to the spread of health problems. In addition, the city has a shortage of designated areas for the disposal of solid waste, leading to an increase in uncontrolled dumping. However, the Limbe municipality is making efforts to address this problem. Minimising waste is a crucial aspect of waste management. It entails the creation of products that are designed to be reused or repaired instead of being replaced with new ones. Material recycling is not yet widespread, although it is increasingly being implemented in Cameroon. Incineration is a waste management method that involves the combustion of waste items to produce steam, gas, and ash. This practice is also prevalent in Cameroon. Many African countries commonly practise open dump dumping, often with inadequate design, resulting in significant economic, social, and environmental repercussions. Moreover, landfill is widely recognised as one of the least effective waste management options due to its release of gaseous pollutants that contribute to global warming. Some types of hazardous trash, such as cables, screens, batteries, and circuit cards, are not properly managed due to the high expense associated with their treatment. These items contain dangerous compounds like cadmium, lead, and mercury. These substances pose significant risks to both human health and the ecosystem. If not properly removed from waste streams, they can contaminate and spread within the environment. The municipality of Limbe lacks adequate legislation to address incidents like this. It is necessary to establish appropriate legislation for this purpose. The majority of these items are improperly discarded, being mixed with other household waste and transferred to open dumpsites without any regard for proper disposal. This is due to the lack of enforcement of laws, which exist only in principle and not in practice in many African nations, including Cameroon. In countries that adhere to the rule of law, where such actions are subject to significant taxation, it encourages individuals to adopt a more sustainable mindset. The taxes collected from these actions can contribute to the growth of the country's GDP. (Ngonhgo 2019). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the impact of sewage disposal on the environmental health of communities in Limbe, Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Sewage disposal significantly impacts the environment, leading to a variety of environmental issues. This impact is a result of human activities, including the release of waste from households, industries, and agriculture, which leads to pollution (Schwarzenbach et al., 2020). Palamuleni (2020) conducted a study in Blantyre city, revealing that the primary obstacles to sewage disposal are the substandard design of on-site sanitation systems and insufficient methods for collecting and disposing of solid waste. The inadequate number of vans provided by the Blantyre City assembly has led to improper disposal and collection of solid trash in this area, as they are unable to serve more than half of the population. In Cameroon, the majority of pit latrines, septic tanks, and sewage lines are inadequately built and lack basic maintenance, hence endangering water resources (Sorensen et al., 2018). Ayotamuno & Gobo (2018) stated in their research that effective waste management has been a significant issue in Port-Harcourt, a Nigerian metropolis, in recent years. 

Moreover, the disposal of diverse waste materials generated by industry, households, and commercial establishments, including food waste, textiles, plastics, and scrap metals, is a significant contributor to the environmental health hazards in Limbe. This practice has rendered the water unfit for consumption because of contamination. In addition, Hajjami et al. (2019) found that a rise in population would result in a corresponding increase in waste output if not well addressed. Different cities in Cameroon utilize diverse methods of sewage disposal. These approaches include the use of septic tanks, the diversion of sewage into storm water drainages, and the discharge onto open ground, water ponds, and streams (Nowak & Imperowicz, 2019). In Limbe, where a decentralized system is implemented, various methods are utilized. However, the use of septic tanks has negative effects on human health. This is due to the unpleasant odor emitted from cleared drainages, which pollutes the air and causes residents discomfort. Additionally, the accumulation of stagnant water provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes (Alghobar & Suresha, 2018). Nevertheless, the municipality of Limbe lacks the understanding of implementing social roles such as social welfare, public acceptability, and political concerns, which are crucial for creating a good influence in addressing this environmental issue and achieving a sustainable environment. Implementing these duties necessitates a consideration of public viewpoints and societal perspectives in decision-making processes (Su et al., 2019). Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the impact of sewage disposal on the environmental health of communities in Limbe, Cameroon.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of sewage disposal on the environmental health of communities in Limbe, Cameroon.  Specifically, the study will;

To assess the awareness of Limbe residents regarding the environmental health risks associated with improper sewage disposal.

Find out the  sewage disposal methods used in communities in Limbe.

Find out the impact sewage disposal practices on the environmental health of the communities.

To identify the key challenges to implementing effective sewage disposal systems in Limbe. 

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the awareness level of Limbe residents regarding the environmental health risks associated with improper sewage disposal?

What are the  sewage disposal methods used in communities in Limbe?

What are the impact sewage disposal practices on the environmental health of the communities?

What are the key challenges to implementing effective sewage disposal systems in Limbe?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Sewage disposal practices do not have a significant impact on the environmental health of communities in Limbe, Cameroon.

Ha: Sewage disposal practices have a significant impact on the environmental health of communities in Limbe, Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The results of this study will be vital for local government officials, environmental health agencies, and community leaders in Limbe.The study will also identify specific environmental health hazards and offer suggestions for effectively reducing these hazards. Additionally, the study will provide valuable insights for the creation of enhanced waste management plans and policies that give priority to the health and well-being of the community. Likewise, it will aid in enhancing environmental health standards in Limbe, resulting in improved living conditions for its inhabitants.

Moreover, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the impact of sewage disposal on the environmental health of communities in Limbe, Cameroon. Empirically, this study will find out the  sewage disposal methods used in communities, the impact sewage disposal practices on the environmental health of the communities, whether improper sewage disposal contributes to  the prevalence of waterborne diseases and whether improper sewage disposal contributes to environmental health challenges faced by the communities. 

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of Limbe, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Waste: Any material, substance, or byproduct that is discarded, unwanted, or considered to have no further use.

Sewage: Wastewater that is generated from domestic, industrial, and commercial activities, which typically contains human waste (feces and urine), household waste (such as detergents and food residues), and water used for washing, bathing, and cleaning.

Sewage disposal: The process of collecting, treating, and safely discharging or recycling sewage to prevent pollution and protect public health.

Environment: The natural world and its surrounding conditions in which living organisms exist and interact.

Health: The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Environmental health: Environmental health is the branch of public health that focuses on how the environment—such as air, water, soil, and living conditions—affects human health. It involves assessing and controlling environmental factors that can potentially harm human health, as well as promoting healthier environments to prevent disease and enhance well-being.

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