POPULATION GROWTH, WASTE DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN OMOKU, RIVERS STATE, AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR WEALTH CREATION

This paper examined population growth, waste disposal and management problems in Omoku, Rivers state, and alternative approach to waste management for wealth creation.To achieve the main objective of the study, two specific purposes and two research questions were posed to guide the study. Descriptive research design was adopted for this study in order to collect primary information in pictorial form for the purpose of describing the current wastes generated in Omoku and situation of waste disposal and management as well as the problems such practices may pose to the environment and human health. Secondary data in form of extensive literature review on best practices of waste disposal and management for wealth creation were done to cover sub topics such as: types of wastes, environmental and health issues for indiscriminate waste disposals, economic value of wastes components and current waste management practices around the globe for wealth creation. The findings show that wastes generated in Omoku are: organic and vegetative waste, commercial waste, household waste and industrial waste. The findings also show indiscriminate disposal of wastes along major roads, river banks, and water pond sites used as dumping in Omoku. Based on the environmental and health problems associated with the current waste disposal and management practices in Omoku, it was concluded that there is need to adopt proven best practices of waste management for wealth creation in the study area. Hence, the following recommendations were made among others: all wastes created should be separated and trashed in bin coded containers that indicates their types, places of worship like churches, mosque,schools, markets leaders, and companies, should assist in educating their adherents on the need to dispose their waste appropriately, finally, Omoku community should engage in waste management practices that can lead to wealth creation such as: recycling.