Household practice of domestic wastewater management: Comparative analysis of two urban neighbourhoods in Suleja, Nigeria

Abstract

Water is essential for human survival, its daily use for human activities generates significant quantities of wastewater globally. Growing rates of urbanisation, population and living standards are expected to increase the volume of wastewater generated in the future. Hence, the 6th objective of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) agenda aims to improve wastewater management. Following the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja, the satellite town of Suleja began to witness uncontrollable development with pressures on its social infrastructure. Furthermore, the lack of sustainable systems has exacerbated domestic wastewater management in Suleja. Therefore, this study comparatively examined the household wastewater sources and management practices in Madalla and Bakin Iku areas of Suleja town in Nigeria. The influence of socio-demographics, educational background, household size, and monthly income on domestic wastewater management practices was examined. The study data were collected through Primary and Secondary sources comprising field survey and questionnaires. The results revealed that Madalla is an unplanned area, whereas Bakin Iku is partially planned. Four sources of water, namely; borehole, tap, water vendor and well water, were identified. The findings showed that 46.5% of Madalla residents’ source water mainly from tap water compared to 50% in Bakin Iku. The areas examined lacks proper sewage system and plants for domestic wastewater treatment. Alternatively, residents primarily utilise soakaways for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal resulting into groundwater quality deterioration along with health concerns. The findings provide significant evidence for the need to address the myriad environmental problems posed by poor wastewater disposal and management.