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ABSTRACT
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in markets is an essential aspect of public health. A myriad of activities take place in markets which generate various wastes which are a health risk to people in them. This study was carried out to examine the conditions of water, sanitation and hygiene in Oba and New Benin markets within Benin City metropolis. Questionnaire survey was employed to assess the WASH status of the markets and water samples were collected from both markets and subjected to physicochemical, heavy metal and microbiological analyses using standard methods. From the results obtained, the physicochemical properties of the water samples from the markets were as follows: pH - 5.55±0.25 to 5.57±0.33 (Oba), and 4.53±0.01 to 4.62±0.01 (New Benin); chloride - 42.60±0.30 to 53.25±0.12 (Oba), and 49.7±0.35 to 63.9±0.45 (New Benin); nitrate - 2.405±0.20 to 2.436±0.01 (Oba), and 2.560±0.28 - 3.484±0.24 (New Benin); and BOD - 0.78±0.04 to 0.86±0.03 (Oba), and 0.65±0.02 to 0.78±0.04 (New Benin). Iron was not detected in any of the water samples, while lead and chromium concentrations in Oba Market were 0.01±0.00mg/L and 0.04±0.00mg/L. For New Benin Market, lead and chromium both ranged from 0.01±0.00 - 0.04±0.00mg/L. For Oba and New Benin markets, the total heterotrophic counts were as follows: 2.09±1.55 to 2.25±2.25 and 2.04±2.05 to 2.11±1.33, respectively, while total fungi counts were 1.650±0.50 to 1.93±1.50 and 1.480±1.70 to 2.060±1.70, respectively. The results obtained from the questionnaires showed that water for sanitary activities and toilet facilities were available at both markets, while waste management was carried out mainly by the government. The study showed that the water supplied for WASH purposes in the markets was of good quality and the WASH status of the markets was good. Improvements such as making provisions for menstrual hygiene and soap for hand washing and increased waste evacuation by the government are recommended.
