Construction and Demolition Waste Management in a Developing Country: A Nigerian Scenario

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is an important waste composition receiving attention from policymakers and researchers globally due to the negative impacts associated with its management. This paper explores construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) in Nigeria with a view to understanding CDWM’s practices as perceived by the policymakers, waste managers and other stakeholders in the construction industry. A descriptive qualitative research design was adopted with data obtained from secondary sources. Findings revealed that CDWM is not a recent phenomenon in Nigeria but there is a renewed interest in it in the last decade. Findings also revealed that CDW does not receive the deserved attention from the constituted authority and stakeholders in the construction industry. While there is a low level of awareness regarding the negative impacts of CDW on public health and the environment, most construction firms and contractors have resorted to unsustainable disposal methods of open dumping, burning, and landfilling. Further findings revealed the potential for sustainable CDWM of reusing, recycling, and composting. Finally, the paper put forward recommendations that would chart a course for sustainable CDWM in Nigeria if implemented.

Cities insane

Globally, cities are known to be the engines of development. Meanwhile, the failure of most Nigerian cities to satisfy the needs of city dwellers has increasingly become an issue of discourse in recent times. These inadequacies have been blamed on the unguided urbanization rate in most developing countries. Population increases and poor governance in most Sub-Saharan African cities are responsible for the increasing demands for social and economic services which invariably affect the level of satisfaction of city residents. This situation has partly necessitated the global urban campaign for liveable cities. This study assessed the satisfaction of residents in five Nigerian cities using a questionnaire survey. Stratified and random sampling methods were used to select 765 respondents so as to elicit information on city-living. The variables that determined the satisfaction of city residents were identified. Most of the respondents (82%) were not satisfied with the cities due to the inadequate electricity/power supply, water, sanitation, transport, security, and health services in the cities. A chi-square analysis showed that the calculated values for the satisfaction with regard to selected variables of electricity supply [7.314]; transport [9.737]; recreation [12.024]; health [9.737]; telecommunication [21.291]; waste management [18.604] and water supply [23.988] in cities were less than the table value (31.41) at an alpha level of 0.05. This implied that there was no significant difference in the level of satisfaction. A factor analysis revealed the major determinants – reliable power supply, improved transport and water supply, employment opportunities, good medical services, enhanced food security – that can improve the level of satisfaction with cities. Based on the findings, the implications of poorly serviced and managed cities on residents and national development were discussed

Households’ Consumption of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Environmental Implication in Ota, Nigeria

The generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been attributed to unprecedented consumption of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) globally. Hence, the issue of consumption and management of the associated WEEE warrant investigation. This study seeks to provide insight into households’ consumption of EEE in Ota, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to purposely administer questionnaire on 111 households’ heads/representatives in random manner. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that rate in EEE consumption pattern reflects the appliances’ importance to the households. Also, signicant proportion of the households (81.5%) consumed new EEE, implying new EEE is preferred to purchase of used EEE. Decision to acquire new EEE is based on convenience rather than increased income or advertising as reported by 58%. Households’ sale of old EEE appears to suggest reuse or recycling. However, 20.3% of households threw away old EEE. The Chi-Square Tests revealed that there is statistical relationship between respondents’ income and preference to buy, repair or service EEE. This study recommends a holistic approach to research on EEE consumption, review of extant regulations on WEEE management and stakeholders’ engagement for inclusive WEEE management.Keywords: Consumption, Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Households, Management, Ota – Nigeria, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipmen

Football viewing centres in an African megacity: viewers’ characteristics and operational dynamics

This study examines viewers’ characteristics and operational dynamics of football viewing centres (FVCs) in Agege, Lagos Megacity, Nigeria. It anchors on the “theory of happiness” and the microeconomic vitality of FVCs using a mixed-methods approach. The results of the descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that most viewers can afford subscriptions for digital TV in their homes, yet patronize the FVCs. Factors attributed to patronage are happiness, excitement, and other social opportunities, with some perspectives of leisure and microeconomic vitality benefits. Finally, the study suggests a new policy direction to mitigate the negative effects of unplanned areas resulting in the proliferation of FVCs

Driving Behaviour of Taxi Drivers towards Sustainable Public Road Transport in Ogun State, Nigeria

Driving is a psychomotor activity that requires combination of mental concentration and good visual functions. Regrettably, incessant deviant driving behaviour of commercial taxi drivers is worrisome. This study examines the driving behaviour of taxi drivers towards sustainable public road transport in Ogun State, Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty (750) copies of questionnaire were distributed using multistage and random sampling techniques. Multiple Regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test postulated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. More males (94%) are involved in commercial taxi driving than female (6%); and 91% had driving experience of more than two years. Factors influencing deviant driving behaviour of taxi drivers are intake of alcohol (72%); intake of drugs and other local substances before and while driving (65%); attitudes of traffic officers (96%); traffic situation (90%); demand for services (96%) and vehicle condition (88%). There is statistically significant relationship between years of driving experience and driving behaviour of taxi drivers (F14735 17.118= P<0.05). Meanwhile, nine (9) out of the fourteen (14) predictors best predict driving behaviour of commercial drivers. This study recommends adherence to road safety driving rules and enforcement measures

Residents’ Satisfaction with Public Housing in Lagos, Nigeria

The study examined residents’ satisfaction with public housing in Lagos, Nigeria, with a view of determining residents’ satisfaction level with housing units and location; assessing residents’ satisfaction level with attributing factors of quality public housing; and identifying problems affecting public housing. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data within five purposively selected public housing estates in Lagos. Systematic sampling technique was employed to administer 300 questionnaire among household representatives. Findings on residents’ satisfaction with housing units and location shows that majority were dissatisfied with space allocation (64%); quality of services (64%); and infrastructural facilities (62%). Findings on residents’ satisfaction with attributing components revealed that majority of respondents were dissatisfied with most physical, social/behavioural, public facilities/functional, and timing components, while majority were satisfied with most economic and environmental components. Findings also revealed that poor structural design and maintenance policy (71%); unstable power supply and poor parking lot (73%); and poor drainage and sewage systems (78%) are major problems affecting public housing residents. Regression analysis results show significant relationship between overall residents’ satisfaction with public housing and attributing factors of quality public housing (F6323 5.371= P<0.05). Strategies were proposed to improve quality public housing provision within Lagos and cities with similar issues

Operators’ perceptions of abattoir waste management: evidence from a semi-urban Nigerian city

This study appraises abattoir operators’ perceptions of waste management at Ijebu Igbo Abattoir in Ogun State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 127 abattoir operators and data obtained were complemented with field observation. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Major findings reveal that abattoir operation is male-dominated (57%) with considerable youth involvement. Findings also reveal that current waste management practices at the abattoir were unsatisfactory. It was found out that recycling of abattoir waste is yet to be fully harnessed despite the existing potentials. Chi-square (χ2) tested result established a statistically significant relationship between abattoir operators’ socio-demographic characteristics and their perceptions of waste collection effectiveness. Finally, the study presents suggestions for sustainable abattoir waste management at the Ijebu Igbo Abattoir and facilities with similar attributes