Causes of poor sanitation and their implication on the environmental health of the users of metro mass transit terminals in Ghana- case study of Kumasi, Sunyani and Bibiani

Abstract

Poor environmental sanitation at road transport terminals in developing countries is a global challenge. The main objective of the study is to examine the causes of poor sanitation and their implication on the environmental health of the users at (MMT) terminals in Ghana. Stratified random sampling and convenient sampling technique was used in selection of 385 respondents (the permanent and temporary users, the statutory bodies managing the selected cities and the management of the selected (MMT) terminals) from Kumasi, Sunyani and Bibiani representing Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Western Regions respectively. An observation or survey, questionnaire and interviews were used to gather responses from the respondents. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 and Ms. Excel. The study revealed differences in opinion of the respondents from the selected (MMT) terminals. However, general environmental sanitation condition is poor; poor attitude towards sanitation coupled with inefficiencies on the part of those responsible for sanitation at (MMT) terminals. In conclusion, the location of the terminals be maintained, the level of the pedestrian and vehicular conflicts is very high, there is inadequate facilities in the terminals, the available facilities are in a deplorable state, the current sanitation situation is very bad, the maintenance culture at the terminals is not the best, there is a high level of awareness of health risk, the severity of the health risk also very high and the safety and the security at the terminals is not the best.The study recommends that there is the need for intensive public education on sanitation at the (MMT) terminals frequently to promote a positive attitude and behaviour towards environmental sanitation. In addition, there must be conscious effort to provide adequate facilities and ensure strict enforcement of the sanitary bye-laws to let people be responsible for good environmental sanitation practice at the terminals