Scientific publications
2024Journal articleEnglishOpen access
Checking session…
Scientific publications
Paul Basile Eloundou Messi
Other affiliations: École Normale Supérieure d'Abidjan
Christian Mbairessem Djimarbeye
European Scientific Journal ESJ
The present study highlights ways and risks of managing household wastes on the environment in the town of Obala in the Lekié Division of Cameroon. In this work, a cross-sectional descriptive survey subdivided into two, geographical and sociological, was carried out. The sampling method based on the random selection mobilized 30 households per quarter. A total of 120 households were randomly selected in four (04) of out the seven (07) districts of Obala, and interviews were conducted with urban council officials and 30 council agents in charge of refuse collection. The results showed that 53.3% of households surveyed are headed by women and 92% of the population stock their solid household waste in a garbage can. Moreover, 98% of households dispose of their waste by uncontrolled dumping and/or in unauthorized landfill sites, and a number of these unauthorized refuse dumps have been identified in the town. In Obala, 99% of household waste is disposed of at the dumping sites by open incineration leading to air pollution. Elsewhere, the characterization of these wastes showed a high rate of organic matter (53.1%) and of plastic (20%). Concerning awareness of some diseases caused by poor household waste management, 63% of respondents mentioned malaria, 25% diarrhea and 12% a number of other diseases. This study reveals that household waste management is inadequate and a real problem in terms of hygiene and public health, thus, a source of threat to the development of the town of Obala, despite household waste’s enormous potential for recycling.