Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Abuja Phase I: An Assessment of Current Practices and Roadmap for Improvement

Abstract

Waste management is a critical issue in urban areas, and Abuja phase one is no exception. This study aims to assess the current waste management problems in Abuja phase one and propose viable solutions. The assessment reveals that the Abuja Protection Board collects approximately 52.6% of the waste generated in Abuja phase one. Indiscriminate dumping accounts for 12.6% of waste disposal practices, while 5.1% of waste is attributed to open dumping in burrow pits. Similarly, 3.2% of waste is disposed of in open spaces. One of the key challenges identified is the lack of public awareness regarding proper engineered land disposal techniques. The waste generated in Garki and Wuse, two prominent areas of phase one, is particularly high due to the presence of commercial and administrative activities. These findings emphasize the need for urgent action to address the inefficient waste management practices in the area. Abuja phase one generates a substantial amount of waste, with a monthly average of 290.163 tons and an annual estimate of 731,210.8 tons. The magnitude of waste generation necessitates the implementation of comprehensive and sustainable waste management strategies to ensure the preservation of the environment and public health. To overcome these challenges, it is imperative to implement a comprehensive waste management that encompasses efficient waste collection.