THE PREVALENCE OF OPEN DUMPING OF WASTE AT THE MARKET SITE: ASSESSING ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS ON THE TRADERS AND BUYERS AT ARIARIA MARKET IN ABA

This study examined the prevalence of open dumping of waste at the market site, assessing its health implications on the traders and buyers at Ariaria market in Aba. Urban marketplaces serve as vital nodes of economic activity, social interaction, and food distribution, especially in densely populated cities across sub-Saharan Africa. In the context of carrying out this research, the following subheads were expounded on: the concept of open dumping of waste, components of waste at dump sites and the prevalence of open dumping of waste in Ariaria market, among many others. The study mentioned organic waste, plastic waste and paper/cardboard waste, among many others, as the components of waste at the dump site. The health implications of open dumping of waste to traders and buyers in the Nigerian markets, as highlighted in the study, included exposure to disease-causing organisms, air pollution/respiratory issues and contamination of water sources, to mention a few. Regulatory measures and legal frameworks improved waste collection and disposal Infrastructure, public awareness and community engagement, among others, were stated as the strategic controls of open dumping of waste in the markets. The study concluded that the unchecked open dumping of waste at Ariaria International Market in Aba poses serious health and environmental threats to both traders and buyers. One of the recommendations made was that the local government, in collaboration with market authorities, should implement a structured and centralised waste collection system within Ariaria Market.