A COMI'ARA.TIVE ANAJ.JYSIS OIf PROBLEMS OF SANITATION" IN IVIINNA AND SUlJEJA ABATTOIH.S, NIGER STATE, NIGERlA

Abstract

This study was on Minna and Suleja abattoirs to identify and compare the levels of filt~JIless, reasons for the filthiness, .effects of such filthiness to man and the enVIronment. The study adopted the use of questionnaires, physical assessment of tllO entire premises of the two abattoirs and verbal interview. In addition, soil analysis was carried out in the two abattoirs aimed at assessing the levels of some selected chemical elements contained in certain abattoir wastes and the likely danger they pose to human beings. Water analysis was also carried out to identify possible pollution and the effects such has on health. These generated the data that is used in achieving the set objectives of the study. The percentage differences in the respondents' responses from the two abattoirs including the differences in the volume of chemical elements discovered in soil anarysis of the "two abattoirs provide the analytica.l metliods in d~o study, Th~ daily volume of wastes generated from each of the abattoirs includihg the daily water. requirements were also estimated. The study revealed some information that informed the conclusions and suggestions made. Both abattoirs were conclusively found to be operating below acceptable sanitary standards. Solid wastes in decaying conditions are dumped carelessly everywhere, foul water mixed with blood, dung and meat debris openly flow across the abattoir walls. The whole air environment is also usually darkened by blackish smoke emerging from burnt tyres used to roast goats and cow heads. Both abattoirs are under-funded and ill-equipped with the govenunent seemingly indifferent to their conditions. It is recommended that stakeholders should embark on composting abattoir wastes, establishment of waste water treatment plants, publicprivate partnership in abattoir management and so on in order to entrench acceptable operational standards.