Proximity Density Assessment and Characterization of Water and Sanitation Facilities in the Informal Settlements of Kisumu City: Implications for Public Health Planning

DOI Web Site Web Site PubMed 24 References
  • OTHOO Calvince O
    Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi
  • DULO Simeon O
    Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nairobi
  • OLAGO Daniel O
    Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi Department of Geology, University of Nairobi
  • AYAH Richard
    School of Public Health, University of Nairobi

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • キスム市のインフォーマルな居住地における水および衛生施設の特徴と近接密度評価：公衆衛生計画への意義

Search this article

Abstract

<p>Access to water and sanitation remain a challenge in many developing countries, especially in pro-poor urban informal settlements where socioeconomic livelihoods are generally low. The aim of this study was to characterise the water and sanitation facilities in the informal settlements of Kisumu City and to evaluate their effect on community hygiene and health. The study focussed on the five urban informal settlements of Nyalenda A, Nyalenda B, Manyatta A, Manyatta B and Obunga, and the three Peri-urban informal settlements of Kogony, Usoma and Otonglo. Using descriptive techniques, the researcher surveyed 114 water sources and all sanitation facilities within 0-15 m and 15-30 m radii of the water sources. The findings revealed dominance of shallow wells and traditional pit latrines as the primary water sources and sanitation facilities, respectively. Out of the water sources studied, 87.7% (100) were shallow wells (mean depth 1.5 m), 9.6% (11) springs and 2.6% (3) boreholes. Most of these shallow wells (83%) were within the urban informal settlements where uses range from washing and cleaning, cooking, and even drinking (13.5%), despite the majority being unprotected. The analysis of the density of sanitation facilities near the water points showed that 32.3% existed within a 15 m radius of the nearest water sources, in violation of the recommended safe distance of 30 m. With an increased density of toilets near critical water sources and other sanitary practices, public health is highly compromised.</p>

Journal

  • Journal of UOEH

    Journal of UOEH 42 (3), 237-249, 2020-09-01

    The University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

References(24)*help

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top