The Impact of Spatial Distribution of Soild Waste Dumps On Infrastructure in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

This study dwells on analyzing the impact of the spatial distribution of solid waste dumps on infrastructural facilities in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The primary data sources were GPS survey, Satellite imagery of Zaria and personal observation. Seven major dumpsites were identified. The dumps were situated on drainages, road networks, in and around school premises as well as adjacent to residential buildings. The implication of such distribution include obstruction of free flow of water and traffic; pollution of air, surface and ground water as well as breeding of pests and rodents which transmit diseases like malaria, cholera and typhoid fever as well as destruction of the aesthetic value of the environment. The recommendations of the study include: the use of Remote Sensing and GIS for proper planning and monitoring of protected dumps which would be far from infrastructural facilities; adoption of the Integrated Waste Management (IWM) approach which involves reduce, reuse and recycle; education and sensitization of people and the establishment of sanitation monitoring team to inspect the environment regularly and prosecute offenders.