Abstract

The removal and safe disposal of excreta and wastewater from washing, bathing, and other domestic uses in urban settlements are very critical environment health needs in developing cities where 500 million people are daily rendered vulnerable to pathogenic microorganisms ( especially those in human excreta) as a result of infrastructure deficits and crowded housing conditions. Investigations in LOKOJA, Nigeria revealed a dependency ratio of 55%; with 54% of city dwellers made up of four person households occupying in 1-2 rooms in public yards in conditions where up to 25 person’s use one toilet facility. Interestingly up to 98% of households use the water use the water borne sanitation. Compared to 2% with non- improved toilet/latrine facilities or out latrines. This study shows the decline of the bucket system while removal by means of vacuum trucks is most popular. There are however no case of onsite composting. While the average cost of faecal sludge evacuation in the city stands about 118 US Dollars per head/year. Also, about 60% of faecal sludge evacuated are deposited in landfills while about 40% find their way into water bodies. This study recommends government intervention in the form of institutional frameworks and the use of faecal sludge for fertilizer.