Urbanization and Environmental Pollution in Masaka, Karu L.G.A – Nasarawa State

Abstract

In most parts of the world especially in developing countries, the sprawling urban areas and enormous populations exert a tremendous amount of stress on the environment; resources are largely concentrated in urban areas, causing major challenges in waste disposal, noise, air, water pollution and many others. This study examined urbanization and environmental pollution in the growing town of Masaka. The main objective of this study is to examine the link between urbanization and environmental pollution in Masaka. A total of 180 respondents were sampled for the study using survey through the use of questionnaire technique. The findings revealed that the major causes of urbanization in Masaka are largely the influx of people from all walks of life into the area due to low cost of houses. The study further revealed that pollution from solid waste is one of the major causes of environmental pollution in the area. It was equally discovered that pollution from solid waste constitutes the major health challenge in Masaka. As a panacea in tackling the environmental pollution, the respondents suggested that there should be a proper waste disposal and effective waste management in the local government. The study recommended among others that an intensive public enlightenment campaign should be created to enlighten the public on the proper ways of waste disposal, and the need to keep a clean environment and to raise the level of awareness on sound solid waste management practice.