THE STIGMATIZATION OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES DUE TO PROXIMITY TO WASTE DUMP

The environmental condition that brings about reduction in the value and marketability of property and sometimes those adjacent it is known as stigmatization. It could also be considered as diminution of value associated with increased environmental risk and Residential properties located in close proximity to dump sites are mostly affected. This paper studies the impact of stigma on the value of residential properties located adjacent to a waste dump by reviewing relevant literature and surveying Estate Surveyors and Valuers and property occupants near the Rumuolumeni dump site in Obio/Akpor local Government area of River state. Data were obtained from the respondents and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the results showed that properties in close proximity to waste dump site suffer a diminution in value due to the impact of the dump and recommend amongst other things the need for government to construct a well engineered sanitary landfill to reduce or possibly eliminate health and environmental risk associated with waste dumps.