The Socio-economic and Environmental Implications of Residential Buildings in Proximate Distance to Landfill Site. A Case of Olusosun Landfill, Ojota Lagos

Abstract

Rapid population growth, urbanization and the associated increase in housing need has lead landfills to compete with residential developments, especially in peri-urban areas of developing countries, including Nigeria. This study explores extensively the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of landfill sites on residential buildings, especially those in proximate distance to it, with a focus on the Olusosun landfill in Ojota, Lagos. In achieving this aim, the study examined the socio-demographic characteristics of the residents living in close proximity between 200-500 metres to the landfill site, identified the health and environmental hazards experienced by residents, examined the condition of residential buildings between 200-500 metres to the landfill site and evaluated the relationship between the distance of landfill site and condition of buildings in the study area. The purposive and stratified random sampling method was employed in carrying out the research survey, where Olusosun community was divided into three (3) strata using distance from the dumpsite and population density as criteria adopted by the researcher. Consequently, eighty-two (82) questionnaires were retrieved from the respondents, out of the total eighty-five (85) structured questionnaires administered. Descriptive statistical tool was used to analyse the perceptions of the respondents. However, the study revealed that several socioeconomic , environmental and health implications arise as a result of this haphazard development, these include; thermal discomfort, diseases, low rental value of residential buildings, poor aesthetic value and water contamination. Also, the result from the Crosstab and Chi-Square test concluded that there was no enough evidence to suggest an association between distance of landfill and building conditions in the study area. The study, therefore recommends that there should be proper monitoring and robust waste management strategy, social inclusion in waste management, promote health and safety, harness other waste disposal methods, provide legal structures/institutions on waste management, climate change mitigation and safeguarding the environment for sustainability.