Impact of public pit toilet system and its associated problems – case study of Udi lga, Enugu state

Description

Impact of public pit toilet system and its associated problems – case study of Udi lga, Enugu state.

Abstract

Access to public toilets is now an inalienable right. Sanitation has continued to occupy the forefront of the global effort toward sustainable development. This study aimed at assessing the users’ perception of the quality of toilet facilities in Udi LGA of Enugu state. The objective is to assess the availability of water and handwashing materials in the toilets, observe the hygiene condition of the toilet user’s surroundings and evaluate the level of satisfaction of toilets users with toilet facilities in the study area. The study adopted the convenience sampling technique to sample 130 users. Analysis was conducted with the aid of a statistical package for social sciences and the data are presented with the aid of frequency tables, graphs and charts. This study unveiled that public toilet facilities have not been effective in the delivery of sanitation services to the users in Udi LGA of Enugu State. Although the privacy of users is guaranteed in the public toilets, they expressed strong dissatisfaction with these facilities as a result of dirtiness, bad odour nuisance from files and poor maintenance of the facilities. Proximity and lack of alternatives are the main reasons for using these toilets. The users express the willingness, readiness and ability to pay an average of N40 to use improved toilets in the study area. Therefore, involvement of the private sector in the provision of toilet facilities and further in-depth study on the health impacts of using public toilets in the study area is recommended.