AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL DUMPING OF SOLID WASTE ON PUBLIC HEALTH IN CAMEROON: A CASE STUDY OF DOUALA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

In recent decades, environmental concerns have gained global significance, with the detrimental impacts of inadequate waste management systems posing a significant challenge for societies worldwide (Campus et al., 2021). Environmental deterioration and its associated health risks are a direct consequence of improper waste disposal practices, such as illegal dumping. This poses a significant threat to the well-being of both individuals and communities (Chu, 2021). Illegal dumping continues to be a major cause of environmental damage, especially in developing countries, with African nations being the most affected, despite worldwide attempts to effectively manage solid waste (Ozoh et al., 2021).

Although garbage creation in African cities is relatively low compared to other parts of the world, the need for waste services remains unmet due to the lack of reliable and complete geographical data and information (Ozoh et al., 2021). Consequently, the planning, evaluation, and monitoring of waste management systems at the local, national, and regional levels pose significant difficulties. This, in turn, results in inadequate management of solid waste and exacerbates the many waste management challenges experienced by African countries (Godfrey et al., 2019). According to the UNEP (2022), data indicates that 13% of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced in sub-Saharan Africa consists of plastic, while 57% is organic waste. The collection rate for MSW is 55%, and a significant portion of it is being illegally dumped, which hampers Africa's progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Solid waste refers to all trash generated from human and animal activities, as well as the by-products of operations. This garbage is often in a solid form and is thrown as things that are considered worthless or unwanted. It may be necessary to dispose of such waste in accordance with legal requirements (Chidi, 2021). Solid waste can be categorised using several criteria, such as their origins, potential environmental hazards, usefulness, and physical characteristics (Luke et al., 2019). According to Pellegrini et al. (2019), solid wastes are categorised into three types based on their origin or source: Municipal solid waste, Industrial solid waste, and Agricultural solid waste. Currently, rural communities and larger municipalities are facing difficulties in removing large quantities of solid garbage from their surroundings. These critical centres are currently being overwhelmed by excessive dumps and unattended piles of solid garbage originating from residential or domestic sources, marketplaces, shopping areas, and commercial centres (Yang et al., 2018). The local government councils are failing to fulfil their legal obligations of managing municipal solid waste in the towns and cities, which is a blatant breach of the environmental sanitation edicts and regulations. The presence of solid waste poses a significant health risk to the residents, and it is undeniable that Cameroonian cities are struggling with the problem of unmanaged solid waste (Sanjay, 2022).

The act of illegally depositing solid waste leads to the degradation of the atmosphere, soil, and water. Additionally, the careless disposal of waste pollutes both surface and underground water sources. Urban regions experience the problem of solid waste obstructing drains, resulting in the formation of stagnant water that serves as a breeding ground for insects and contributes to flooding during rainfall (Emake et al., 2019). The unregulated combustion of solid waste and inadequate incineration methods are major contributors to urban air pollution. Greenhouse gases are produced by the breakdown of organic waste in landfills, while untreated leachate contaminates the surrounding soil and water bodies. Inadequate handling of solid waste can lead to health and safety concerns. Waste serves as a magnet for insect and rodent vectors, which can transmit diseases like cholera and dengue fever (Romelu et al., 2022). Utilising water contaminated with municipal solid wastes for bathing, food irrigation, and drinking can further subject persons to pathogenic microorganisms and other impurities (Puth et al., 2017). The U.S. Public Health Service has identified 22 human diseases that are associated with inadequate solid waste management. Waste workers and pickers in developing nations sometimes lack adequate protection against direct touch and damage (Damian et al., 2021). The emission of exhaust fumes from garbage collection vehicles, the dispersion of dust resulting from disposal methods, and the incineration of waste all contribute to the overall deterioration of public health (Hakim, 2021).

Cameroon faces significant difficulties in effectively handling solid waste due to the combined effects of fast population expansion, escalating urbanisation, poverty, and insufficient government assistance (Zafar, 2023). A direct relationship exists between urbanisation, population increase, industrialisation, and garbage output in real-time (Ogundele et al., 2018). Douala, being one of the rapidly expanding metropolitan hubs in Cameroon, confronts a notable difficulty in efficiently handling its solid waste, as unlawful dumping has become a prevalent and widespread activity. Engaging in this activity can result in significant ecological and medical repercussions, such as the pollution of water, soil, and air, as well as the transmission of infections (Ozoh et al., 2021). Illegal dumping has been labelled as a "wicked act" because of its intricate nature, involving persistent and unresolved problems, as well as issues related to rights and legality (Niyobuhungiro, 2021). Illegal dumping, a major cause of inadequate waste management, results in various forms of environmental contamination in communities, causing cities throughout the world to spend millions annually on cleanup efforts (Onifade & Nwabotu, 2017). The steady growth of urban populations leads to higher rates of waste generation, which in turn results in uncontrolled disposal of solid waste. This contributes to various environmental problems including pollution of water, soil, and air. It also leads to blockage of water drains, causing flooding and water stagnation in drainage systems. Additionally, the presence of waste items creates favourable conditions for water-borne diseases like cholera and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue (Dachris et al., 2023). This study aims to assess the consequences of illicit disposal of solid waste on public health in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The illicit disposal of solid trash has emerged as a pressing concern in numerous urban regions of Cameroon, notably in Douala, the nation's primary metropolis and commercial centre. Notwithstanding the endeavours of municipal authorities to regulate waste, the city nonetheless struggles with the ongoing issue of unauthorised disposal. This activity not only harms the environment but also presents substantial risks to public health.

Illegal dumping refers to the act of individuals or businesses improperly disposing of rubbish in sites that are not authorised, such as vacant lots, roadsides, rivers, and unregulated landfills. The problem in Douala has been worsened by the absence of adequate waste collection services, as well as the growing urbanisation and population growth (Ngwa et al., 2020). A significant number of individuals, particularly those living in informal settlements, do not have access to regular waste collection services. As a result, they are compelled to engage in illegal dumping as a method of disposing of their waste (Tabe, 2021). The repercussions of engaging in illegal dumping have wide-ranging effects. Accumulated garbage in open spaces fosters the proliferation of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, flies, and rats, which can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. The presence of leachate, which is the liquid that seeps out of a landfill, poses a significant threat of waterborne diseases by contaminating water sources (Edun, 2019). Moreover, the incineration of discarded material emits noxious gases, which exacerbate respiratory ailments and other health complications among the populace (Fon et al., 2022).

The public health hazards linked to illicit dumping are exacerbated by the high population density of the affected regions, where vulnerable demographics such as children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to harm (Fon et al., 2022). The situation is exacerbated by the people' poor understanding and education regarding the health risks associated with incorrect trash disposal. Furthermore, the problem typically persists due to a dearth of implementation of current waste management legislation, as highlighted by Wanmi (2021). The waste management system in Douala is overwhelmed by the large amount of waste produced every day, which poses challenges for municipal services in terms of effectively collecting and disposing of the waste. The strain is evident in the widespread existence of illicit dumpsites around the city, which not only deface the urban scenery but also facilitate the propagation of contagious illnesses (Ojong et al., 2019). Considering these difficulties, it is imperative to assess the consequences of illicit waste disposal on the well-being of the population in Douala. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the Impact of Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste on Public Health in Cameroon: A Case Study of Douala. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the prevalence of illegal dumping of solid waste in Douala

To evaluate the impact of illegal dumping of solid waste on public health in Douala.

To assess the effect of illegal dumping of solid waste on environmental contamination in Douala

To identify the factors contributing to the practice of illegal dumping in Douala.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the level of prevalence of illegal dumping of solid waste in Douala?

What is the impact of illegal dumping of solid waste on public health in Douala?

What is the effect of illegal dumping of solid waste on environmental contamination in Douala?

What are the factors contributing to the practice of illegal dumping in Douala?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Illegal dumping of solid waste have no significant impact on public health in Douala.

Ha: Illegal dumping of solid waste have significant impact on public health in Douala.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is highly relevant in addressing the urgent problem of illegal dumping of solid waste in Douala, Cameroon, because it has substantial consequences for public health, environmental sustainability, and municipal management. The project seeks to assess the effects of unlawful dumping on public health by identifying and measuring health hazards, such as the transmission of infectious diseases and exposure to dangerous substances. This will help in developing more efficient health interventions and legislation.

The project seeks to measure and examine the health effects of illicit garbage disposal, encompassing the transmission of diseases by vectors, respiratory ailments, and other health issues linked to exposure to unregulated trash. The study can aid in formulating ways to safeguard susceptible people, namely those residing in close proximity to illicit dumpsites, by identifying these hazards. Gaining insight into the precise health consequences associated with the act of illegally disposing waste can provide valuable information for implementing focused public health interventions and enhancing disease prevention and control efforts in impacted communities.

Furthermore, the study will offer significant perspectives on the existing shortcomings in waste management methods and policies. This can facilitate the formulation of more efficient waste management policies and plans at both the municipal and national levels. The study's findings might emphasize the necessity for enhanced waste management infrastructure and enforcement methods, which are essential for mitigating unlawful dumping and its related hazards.

Moreover, the act of illegally disposing waste leads to environmental deterioration, specifically through the pollution of soil and water. The results of the study can provide valuable guidance for addressing these environmental concerns and advancing sustainable waste management techniques. The study has the potential to increase knowledge regarding the environmental ramifications of unlawful dumping, promoting more active involvement from the community and advocating for proper trash disposal methods. The study aims to raise public awareness and promote community action towards improved waste management practices by emphasizing the clear connections between illegal dumping and health problems. The research can facilitate the advancement of community-based health programs that tackle the specific obstacles presented by unlawful dumping and promote improved living circumstances.

Additionally, this work fills an important void in the current research on the public health consequences of illicit garbage disposal in urban Cameroon. It offers fresh data and perspectives that might enhance the overall understanding of environmental health.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate the Impact of Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste on Public Health in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to assess the prevalence of illegal dumping of solid waste in Cameroon and evaluate the impact of illegal dumping of solid waste on public health in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the effect of illegal dumping of solid waste on environmental contamination in Cameroon and it also seeks to identify the factors contributing to the practice of illegal dumping in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Douala, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the limited availability of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the scarcity of data about the assessment of the consequences of illegal dumping of solid waste on public health in Cameroon. This was specifically observed in the case study conducted in Douala. Consequently, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to choose the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical range, particularly concentrating on Douala, Cameroon. Consequently, the ability to apply the results of this study to a wider population is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the difficulties faced by the researcher were mostly a result of financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while concurrently meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Solid waste: solid waste" means any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities.

Solid waste management: The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste.