Empirical Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in a Semi-Urban Setting: A Socio-Economic and Cultural Mirror

Abstract

Insufficient water, weak sanitation and poor hygiene practices create a serious burden of diseases in low-income regions and is affecting susceptible groups such as the poor. Although water and sanitation programs have been initiated in many local communities; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) promotion still receives little attention and funding. This study focuses on the socio-economic and cultural factors influencing Ota residents, a semi-urban town in South West Nigeria on WaSH services. The study uses structured questionnaire as one of the major research instruments. The method of data analysis utilized descriptive analysis with illustrative data representations. Analysis of the data reveals that literacy level and age group play a significant role in housing settlements while source of water and quality significantly affect health, and its quantity affects sanitation practices. The evidence from the study confirmed that cultural practices and access to water sources had no direct relationship. Hence, the problem of good water supply was seen to be more of economic and financial challenges that require timely government intervention. Financially, the economic context does not permit the implementation of a real water management policy. In most houses, income does not favor the subscription of some households to water distribution network. Therefore it is recommended that a concerted effort on the part of the government be focused on maximizing welfare policy programmes that would ameliorate the sufferings in the communities as it relates to access to clean water sources and other basic social infrastructure that could enhance people’s living standard.