AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPROPER SEWAGE DISPOSAL, ITS CAUSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONSEQUENCES IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study 

The issue of improper sewage disposal has long been a matter of worldwide concern (Sultanova et al., 2021). The proliferation of companies, advancements in technologies, and elevated level of living are significant catalysts for the formation of sewage (Sultanova et al., 2021). Countries such as China, Mexico, and Brazil face the issue of waste generation, which leads to negative consequences such as increased rates of birth complications, mortality, and illness in their populations (Getis et al., 2018; Kotze, 2020). The World Bank has forecasted that Japan will experience a significant rise in waste generation, reaching approximately 1.3 billion to 2.2 billion tonnes per year by 2025. This will result in a waste collection service rate that falls well below 50%, leading to pollution in the area and improper disposal of the remaining uncollected waste (UN Environment, 2019).

African countries including Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and Sub-Saharan Africa are characterised by high population density, resulting in a significant rise in resource consumption and waste production. This is further exacerbated by a substantial decrease in trash collection, treatment, and disposal (Kumar and Agrawal, 2020). The prevalence of health complications associated with inadequate waste management, such as diarrhoea, was evident among young children in Odukpani and Akamkpa (Kwun Omang et al., 2021). Zion (2019) found that almost 70% of urban waste in developing nations is not being collected and disposed of properly, despite the significant health consequences associated with inadequate waste management. According to a study by Asamoah (2018) in Ghana, a total of 810 tonnes of solid trash is produced per day. However, only 216 tonnes are collected, resulting in a remaining backlog of 594 tonnes of uncollected rubbish. This situation poses significant risks to both the environment and public health. Ferronato et al. (2019) have documented that waste management in underdeveloped nations is a perilous concern because of the environmental repercussions and health ailments caused by the discharge of waste into water bodies.

The absence of effective sewage management systems in numerous urban and peri-urban regions of Cameroon has resulted in the prevalent occurrence of open defecation and inadequate disposal of wastewater. This phenomenon is especially apparent in fast expanding urban areas like Douala and Yaoundé, where the presence of informal settlements and insufficient infrastructure worsens the issue (Tabe & Eke, 2023).

The inadequate coverage of sanitary infrastructure is a major factor contributing to inappropriate sewage disposal in Cameroon. Numerous regions, particularly those with low socioeconomic status and informal settlements, suffer from inadequate access to appropriate sanitary infrastructure, resulting in residents adopting unclean behaviours. A study conducted by Nkuo-Akenji et al. (2023) emphasises that only a small portion of the urban population has access to sufficient sewage infrastructure, while others rely on homemade alternatives such pit latrines or directly releasing waste into the environment.

Economic factors are also essential in this matter. The exorbitant expenses associated with the installation and upkeep of adequate sewage systems frequently discourage investments in sanitation infrastructure. Local governments, hindered by financial constraints, face difficulties in determining the order of importance for sewage management in the midst of conflicting requests for resources. Moreover, the swift process of urbanisation and the increase in population in Cameroon surpass the progress of essential infrastructure development, hence intensifying the issue (Momo & Nkeng, 2023).

The ramifications of inadequate sewage disposal on public health are significant and diverse. Water sources that are contaminated and the transmission of faecal matter are factors that lead to several waterborne illnesses, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. As per the World Health Organisation (2022), these diseases are common in regions with substandard sanitation and insufficient sewage infrastructure. The recurrent occurrences of these diseases impose a substantial strain on the healthcare system and impact the well-being of the affected communities.

In addition, inadequate sewage disposal has a detrimental effect on the ecosystem as it pollutes soil and water resources, perhaps causing lasting ecological harm. Untreated sewage in water bodies has a detrimental impact on aquatic life and can cause disturbances in local ecosystems. The ability to mitigate these environmental repercussions is frequently hindered by the same reasons that contribute to poor disposal methods, such as inadequate infrastructure and economic limitations (Ngwa et al., 2023).

 Statement of the problem

Multiple research on risk perceptions have consistently shown that women, as a whole, exhibit greater levels of worry over environmental risks compared to men). Several research, including those by Mamady (2018), Adewoyin (2019), and Kanhai et al. (2021a), have found conflicting findings about the health risks associated with improper waste disposal and its potential gender-related implications. For instance, in a study conducted by Mamady (2018), it was discovered that female persons were more likely to engage in indiscriminate garbage disposal compared to their male counterparts. The study focused on examining the health and safety hazards connected with incorrect disposal of household waste in Guinea. A study conducted in Ghana had three focus groups consisting of female participants. Each group discussed health risks associated with trash, including diseases such as malaria, cholera, and diarrhoea (Kanhai et al., 2021a). Nevertheless, research has indicated that the detrimental health consequences of improper waste disposal are not influenced by gender (Adewoyin, 2019). These studies have highlighted the potential health risks for both males and females, including respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and exacerbated allergies resulting from the inhalation of these pollutants.

Moreover, water bodies have the potential to pollute water sources, hence elevating the likelihood of waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea. This poses a threat to both males and females who ingest the contaminated water. In addition, inadequate waste management might create favourable conditions for the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, and rats. The elevated likelihood of contracting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and leptospirosis is heightened, and these diseases can impact individuals of both sexes (Adewoyin, 2019). Poverty, fast urbanisation, and population explosion are the primary factors that worsen inappropriate garbage disposal in South Africa. These factors contribute to a decline in waste management and the failure of municipal services to be delivered effectively (Akmal and Jamil, 2021). 

In addition to posing health risks and contributing to environmental deterioration, inadequate waste management practices have been identified by the United States Public Health and the World Health Organisation as a significant cause of several diseases and, in certain instances, fatalities (Kwun Omang et al., 2021). Environmentalists' apprehension regarding the adverse effects of incorrect garbage disposal on human health and the environment has led to research being conducted in the United Kingdom. These investigations indicate that a substantial proportion of waste produced each year is a result of a detrimental practice. In addition, Troy (2019) stated that waste management is completely absent in rural areas of Africa. According to Kumar and Agrawal (2020), waste management efforts in Africa have been implemented and increased to mitigate environmental damage and health hazards. Furthermore, the efforts made by European countries to address the problem of inadequate waste management and make advancements have yielded favourable outcomes thus far (Sultanova et al., 2021). In order to address trash issues, the UNEP organised a worldwide collaboration on waste management in Japan, involving waste specialists to develop various methods to be implemented on a global scale (UN Environment, 2019).

To effectively tackle these difficulties, it is crucial to confront the root causes of inadequate sewage disposal and assess its ramifications on public health and the environment. Gaining an understanding of these factors can offer valuable insights for devising efficient methods to boost sanitation infrastructure, promote public health, and safeguard the environment in Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The primary objective of this study is to assess improper sewage disposal, its causes and public health consequences in Cameroon. Specifically the study seeks to:

To assess the level of public awareness and understanding of proper sewage disposal practices among different communities in Cameroon.

To analyze the contributing causes or factors of improper sewage disposal in urban and rural areas of Cameroon.

To evaluate the effectiveness of existing sewage management policies and regulations in Cameroon.

To propose strategies for improving sewage disposal practices and mitigating public health risks in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the level of public awareness and understanding of proper sewage disposal practices among different communities in Cameroon?

What are the contributing causes or factors of improper sewage disposal in urban and rural areas of Cameroon?

How effective are the existing sewage management policies and regulations in Cameroon?

What are the strategies for improving sewage disposal practices and mitigating public health risks in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The stated hypothesis will validate this study:

Ho1: Improper sewage disposal has no significant effect on public health in Cameroon.

Ha1: Improper sewage disposal has a significant effect on public health in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

The objective of this research is to determine the precise health hazards linked to inadequate sewage disposal, such as the potential exposure to pathogenic bacteria and contaminants. This information will be important for health authorities to formulate efficacious public health campaigns, enhance knowledge regarding hygiene, and develop health education programs to mitigate health hazards.

The study aims to gather empirical data on the underlying factors and subsequent impacts of inadequate sewage disposal. This data will be crucial in guiding policy-making processes. Policymakers can utilise this data to design more efficient sanitation laws, regulations, and programs customised to target specific challenges highlighted in the research.

This study will provide a valuable contribution to the academic literature on the issue of inappropriate sewage disposal in Cameroon, including its underlying causes and the resulting public health implications.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study aims to assess improper sewage disposal, its causes and public health consequences in Cameroon. Empirically, this study assesses the level of public awareness and understanding of proper sewage disposal practices among different communities in Cameroon, the contributing factors of improper sewage disposal in urban and rural areas of Cameroon, the effectiveness of existing sewage management policies and regulations in Cameroon and the strategies for improving sewage disposal practices and mitigating public health risks in Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that it is a new discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. However in spite of the constraint all these constraint were downplayed to give the best.

1.9 Definition of terms

Sewage: Sewage is the waste matter, usually consisting of water, human waste, and other materials, that is carried away from homes, businesses, and other buildings through pipes to be treated or disposed of.

Sewage disposal: Sewage disposal is the process of removing and treating waste matter from sewage to prevent pollution and protect public health. This typically involves collecting sewage through pipes, treating it at a treatment facility, and then safely releasing or recycling the treated water.

Public health: Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health and well-being of communities and populations through preventive measures, education, and policy development. It focuses on promoting healthy behaviors, preventing diseases, and addressing health issues on a large scale.

---

---