Assessment of Water and Sanitation Service Levels in 20 Rural Communities of Amuwo Odofin and Ojo Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria

摘要

The current study was carried out to assess the status of water supply and sanitation facilities in 20 communities of Amuwo Odofin and Ojo Local Government Areas of Lagos State. Formal and informal interviews, questionnaires, physical assessment, and secondary data from relevant agencies were used. Water samples were taken from twenty (20) existing wells in the project area to evaluate levels of faecal contamination. From the results of assessment, hand dug wells and boreholes fitted with either electric or hand pumps are the major water supply facilities used by the communities. Water supply service level is generally low across the communities. Low level of service is not unconnected with borehole failure and abandonment of dug wells due to salt water intrusion. All boreholes fitted with hand pumps failed due to faulty pumping system, unserviceable or damaged pumps. It is observed that 39% of boreholes fitted with electric pumps also failed due to damaged pumping system (power surge and non-availability of serviceable parts). Microbiological analysis shows high levels of Coliform bacteria counts (1.10 x102 to 1.80x102 cfu/ml) in water samples from sixteen (16) out of the twenty (20) dug wells, indicating faecal contamination of the water source. Identified sanitation facilities at household level across the 20 communities include pit latrines (mostly without slabs), open pit, bucket, hang toilet and hanging latrine. Improved sanitation facilities necessary to ensure hygienic separation of human excreta from human contact are lacking. The proposed appropriate technological options for water supply among these rural communities are dug wells and boreholes operated by hand pumps. Ventilated improved pit latrine is adjudged the most appropriate sanitation facility for the communities. The study finally recommends active community participation in the provision and management of these facilities in order to ensure sustainability.