Evaluation of Environmental Sanitation in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State

Sanitation is paramount to human life because it contributes to safety from communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as playing important roles in human socio- economic development and sustenance of cultural values. The aim of this paper is to monitor and evaluate environmental sanitation services in Owerri West Local Government Area. Survey method was largely used in this study with questionnaire administered on 384 of which 25 respondents each were selected from 16 small villages out of 8 major communities in Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA). The result shows that 51.3% practice monthly environmental sanitation and only 33.3% of the wastes are removed from the generation point. The common refuse disposal method is the use of sanitary bin (35.3%), open dumping (20.8%) and burning (23.3%) while about 37% are dumped around surrounding bushes. This study revealed that the general environmental sanitation in Owerri West LGA is good (71.3%). Presence of Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for policy implementation (p<0.005), Frequency of EHO visit (p<0.005), level of hygiene education (p<0.005) and availability of environmental sanitation policy (p=0.008) was significantly related to the method of waste disposal adopted and Presence of Environmental Health Officer for policy implementation (EHO) (p=0.034), Frequency of EHO visit (p<0.005), level of hygiene education (p<0.005) and availability of environmental sanitation policies (p=0.001) as well as frequency of waste removal from generation point. Basic efforts that lead to good health and longevity include taking sensible actions and precautions based on sound health information. Environmental sanitation education is needed to educate and recondition the minds and attitudes of citizens in Owerri West LGA and beyond in consonance with the norms of their environment.