AN EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study 

Efficient sewage disposal management is a vital component of urban planning and public health, since it has a direct impact on environmental sustainability and the welfare of communities. Effective sewage management is crucial in order to prevent water bodies from becoming contaminated, minimise the transmission of waterborne illnesses, and uphold public hygiene standards. Nevertheless, the effective administration of sewage disposal continues to pose a substantial obstacle in numerous regions across the globe, particularly in developing nations where there is sometimes a lack of adequate infrastructure and resources (World Health Organisation, 2022).

Traditionally, the progress of sewage systems has been intricately linked to the growth of cities and industries. With the growth of cities in the 19th and 20th centuries, it became clear that there was a need for efficient waste management systems. As a reaction, numerous urban regions in affluent nations made significant investments in the establishment of sewage treatment facilities and networks of subterranean pipelines to securely convey and process wastewater (Murray & Drechsel, 2023). These technologies have significantly decreased the occurrence of waterborne illnesses and enhanced the overall standard of living in metropolitan areas.

On the other hand, numerous developing nations still have challenges in effectively managing sewage disposal due to various limitations. These factors encompass constrained financial resources, absence of political determination, and the swift rate of urbanisation, which frequently surpasses the progress of essential infrastructure. Informal settlements in numerous urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia suffer from a lack of basic sanitation services. Consequently, open defecation is prevalent, and raw sewage is directly released into the environment (Ngwa et al., 2023).

Efficient management of sewage disposal is a crucial aspect of maintaining public health and environmental sustainability. Governments have a central responsibility in regulating and executing this process. Over time, multiple governmental initiatives have been implemented to enhance sewage disposal systems, specifically in metropolitan areas where the difficulties of waste management are more evident. This backdrop examines the characteristics of these interventions, their execution, and their impact on sewage disposal management, with a particular emphasis on current advancements and assessments.

Government interventions in sewage disposal management often encompass policy frameworks, regulatory measures, infrastructure development, and public awareness initiatives. These interventions are implemented in numerous nations as components of comprehensive public health and environmental protection programs with the objective of diminishing the occurrence of waterborne diseases and environmental deterioration (World Health Organisation, 2023). Governments frequently engage in partnerships with international organisations, private sector entities, and local communities to effectively execute these policies.

An essential measure that has been implemented is the formulation and implementation of sanitation rules and regulations. These policies aim to establish criteria for the management of sewage, encompassing the design, upkeep, and operation of sewage systems, treatment plants, and waste disposal techniques. Nkwenti and Fon (2023) conducted a study that emphasises how the implementation of comprehensive sanitation regulations in numerous developing nations has resulted in notable enhancements in sewage disposal management, particularly in urban areas. Yet, the efficacy of these programs frequently relies on the ability of local authorities to enforce rules and the accessibility of resources to facilitate infrastructure development.

Government interventions also encompass the vital topic of infrastructure development. Investments in sewage treatment plants, piping networks, and waste management facilities are crucial for efficient sewage disposal. Recently, numerous governments have placed a high importance on upgrading sewage infrastructure as a component of their urban development strategies. As stated by Eke and Ngwa (2023), these investments have produced favourable outcomes in terms of diminishing the occurrence of open defecation and the release of untreated sewage into aquatic bodies. Nevertheless, the long-term viability of these efforts may be hindered by hurdles such as financial limitations, maintenance problems, and the swift rate of urbanisation.

Government attempts to enhance sewage disposal management also include crucial components such as public awareness and education campaigns. These programs have the objective of educating the general public on the significance of appropriate waste management and promoting behaviours that align with sanitation objectives. Government interventions have, on certain occasions, effectively altered public attitudes and behaviours, resulting in enhanced community involvement in sewage control initiatives. Momo and Mbua (2023) state that implementing targeted awareness efforts, specifically directed at schools and community leaders, has proven to be successful in cultivating a sanitation-oriented culture in many places.

The effectiveness of government interventions in sewage disposal management varies significantly, notwithstanding the efforts made. Factors such as political determination, financial resources, and community involvement have a substantial impact on the results of these interventions. In addition, government programs sometimes face obstacles to their efficacy, including corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of coordination across different levels of government and stakeholders (Ngwafu & Ndifor, 2023) hence the need for this study.

 Statement of the problem

The issue of sewerage disposal management in Cameroon has become more critical as urbanisation and population growth continue to strain existing infrastructure. The Cameroonian government has instituted a variety of interventions to enhance sewage management throughout the nation in response to these challenges. These interventions encompass infrastructure development initiatives, policy reforms, and partnerships with international organisations to improve sanitation services (Tabe & Eke, 2023). Nevertheless, the efficacy of these government interventions, particularly in addressing the persistent issues of inadequate sewage disposal systems, environmental degradation, and public health risks, remains uncertain, despite these efforts.

The implementation and sustainability of these government interventions are among the most significant issues. The disparity between the formulation of policies and their practical implementation is substantial, despite the fact that policies and projects are frequently well-intentioned. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and a lack of accountability within the agencies responsible for sanitation management exacerbate this disparity (Momo & Nkeng, 2023). Consequently, the intended benefits of these interventions are not realised, rendering communities, particularly those in urban and peri-urban areas, susceptible to the hazards associated with inadequate effluent disposal.

Furthermore, the interventions have not adequately addressed the fundamental socio-economic and infrastructural obstacles that impede the effective management of sewage in Cameroon. For example, despite government initiatives, numerous urban areas, particularly informal settlements, continue to lack access to fundamental sanitation facilities. This deficiency is primarily attributable to a lack of engagement with local communities in the design and implementation of effluent management programs, inadequate planning, and insufficient funding (Ngwa et al., 2023). As a result, these communities persist in their dependence on hazardous waste disposal methods, which exacerbates environmental contamination and the transmission of waterborne diseases.

Additionally, it is imperative to conduct a thorough assessment of the long-term effects of these government interventions on environmental sustainability and public health. Existing research indicates that, despite some progress, the overall impact of these interventions has been restricted, with numerous communities still experiencing substantial health hazards as a result of inadequate sewage management (Nkuo-Akenji et al., 2023). It has also been difficult to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions and make the requisite modifications due to the absence of continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Given these challenges, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions in sewage disposal management in Cameroon. 

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate government interventions and their effects on sewage disposal management in Cameroon. Specifically the study seeks to:

To assess the effectiveness of government interventions in improving sewage disposal practices in urban and rural areas of Cameroon.

To identify the key government interventions and policies related to sewage disposal management in Cameroon.

To investigate the challenges faced by government agencies in implementing effective sewage disposal management in Cameroon.

To propose recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of government interventions in sewage disposal management in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

How effective are government interventions in improving sewage disposal practices in urban and rural areas of Cameroon?

What are the key government interventions and policies related to sewage disposal management in Cameroon?

What are the challenges faced by government agencies in implementing effective sewage disposal management in Cameroon?

What are the recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of government interventions in sewage disposal management in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The stated hypothesis will validate this study:

Ho1: There are no significant effects of government interventions in improving sewage disposal practices in urban and rural areas of Cameroon.

Ha1: There are significant effects of government interventions in improving sewage disposal practices in urban and rural areas of Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of various interventions in decreasing the occurrence of diseases, hence contributing to advancements in public health. The results can assist health authorities in improving current strategies and creating new ones to reduce health hazards related to inadequate sewage management.

The study will investigate the extent to which government policies have facilitated the adoption of sustainable waste management practices. The study will contribute to the creation of more effective policies and practices that strike a balance between environmental protection and the requirements of expanding populations by assessing the effectiveness of various interventions.

Furthermore, the discoveries will establish a basis for policy making that is supported by evidence, guaranteeing that future efforts to address sewage management difficulties are more successful.

This study will provide a valuable contribution to the academic literature on the issue of government intervention in inappropriate sewage disposal in Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study aims to assess improper sewage disposal, its causes and public health consequences in Cameroon. Empirically, this study assesses the effectiveness of government interventions in improving sewage disposal practices in urban and rural areas of Cameroon, the key government interventions and policies related to sewage disposal management in Cameroon, the challenges faced by government agencies in implementing effective sewage disposal management in Cameroon and the recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of government interventions in sewage disposal management in Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that it is a new discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. However in spite of the constraint all these constraint were downplayed to give the best.

1.9 Definition of terms

Sewage: Sewage is the waste matter, usually consisting of water, human waste, and other materials, that is carried away from homes, businesses, and other buildings through pipes to be treated or disposed of.

Sewage disposal: Sewage disposal is the process of removing and treating waste matter from sewage to prevent pollution and protect public health. This typically involves collecting sewage through pipes, treating it at a treatment facility, and then safely releasing or recycling the treated water.

Government Interventions: Government interventions are actions taken by government authorities to influence or regulate certain activities or outcomes in society, such as economic conditions, public health, or social issues, in order to achieve specific goals or address problems.

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