Sanitation Status and Waste Disposal Pattern in the Slum Area of Sylhet City Corporation

Abstract

Aims: Majority of slum people are living in poor quality housing where the absence of basic amenities is a significant issue. The primary aim of the study was to determine the present status of sanitation and waste disposal patterns of the selected slum areas of Sylhet City Corporation (SCC). Study Design: Both descriptive and analytical methods were applied to reach the final outcome. Methodology: To conduct the study, 355 samples were collected from five different wards through a constructive questionnaire survey. Key Information Interview (KII), field observation, and focus group discussion (FGD) were also used to collect data. Results: While the slum people are always struggling to ensure their basic needs, they don’t give emphasis on the sanitary, hygiene, health condition, etc. About 80.4% of slum dwellers defecate in an unhygienic place which may cause various diseases and lead to water pollution by pathogenic microbes. Only 54.9% of people dispose of their waste in a proper way and the others are accountable for environmental pollution by disposing of waste here and there. This study also reveals the socioeconomic condition, health issues, and other water-related challenges of the slum dwellers. Conclusion: Due to lack of education and knowledge about health and hygiene, unwillingness, poverty, etc. are the possible reasons behind the deterioration of the situation of slum inhabitants. Thus, several remedial measures need to be taken for the improvement of sanitation and waste disposal system.