EFFECTS OF INDISCRIMINATE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The improper management of solid waste is one of the challenging environmental problems facing urban centres worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Little attention is given to waste management practices. This is why it is common to see heaps of waste in littering the streets, dumped indiscriminately in drainages, vacant plots and open spaces especially in the urban areas of the developing world. Despite the establishment of Nasarawa Urban Development Board as a waste management agency, the problem of solid waste management in Lafia town remains intractable. The study examined the current state of waste management being employed by Nasarawa Urban Development Board in Lafia town, Nasarawa state. The study population was contacted through stratified systematic sampling technique. Data for this 'study were generated through questionnaires, in depth interviews, direct and personal observation. The data generated from the questionnaires were subjected to descriptive analysis using frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that majority (58.5%) of the respondents were not provided with waste collection facilities by Nasarawa Urban Development Board and so disposed their wastes indiscriminately. Majority (65.5%) of the respondents knew nothing about procurement of dustbins, dumpsites and the agency of government that is responsible for refuse/ waste management in, the study area. The agency responsible for waste management in the study area (NUDB) were faced with numerous challenges militating against effective and efficient performance. These challenges were lack of political will, paucity of find or poor funding, shortage of man power, shortage of functional vehicles (trucks) etc. The study recommended that public awareness or education should be carried out by Nasarawa Urban Development Board in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency and the mass media on waste management issues. It also recommended that Nasarawa state government should support the Board financially among other needs to enable the Board perform her functions effectively and efficiently.