Peculiar Health Problems Due to Industrial Wastes in Addis Ababa City: the Case of Akaki Kality Industrial Zone
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Date
2014-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Despite various environmental problems in our country, this study focused on the industrial
waste/ pollution of Akaki Kality industrial zone. The AIZ is characterised by its large number of
manufacturing industries. The community in the area are living side by side with these
industries. This lack of demarcation, therefore, is causing various health problems on the
inhabitants as they are highly exposed to wastes. This paper analyzes the peculiar health
problems of such wastes on the residents of AIZ. In light of this objective, the perceived and
actual health problems, the vulnerable section of the community, waste management practice of
some selected industries and the intervention mechanisms are analyzed. The study employed
case study design and used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. In order
to achieve the objective of the study, literatures were reviewed, and questionnaire, key informant
interview and focus group discussions were used as main research instruments. The result has
indicated that the local factories are not properly managing their wastes and dispose them to
nearby environment without any precaution. As a result the different types of wastes from the
industries in the area are affecting the health of the inhabitants. Cough, diarrhea, typhoid,
typhus, skin problem, gastro intestinal disorder, asthma and eye problems are the commonly
experienced problems by the inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants perceived that these health
problems are attributed to industrial wastes. Children, elderly people and vegetable farmers are
the most vulnerable groups of the society by the diseases. The result has also indicated that, the
relevant environmental regulatory bodies have not been taken any measures to solve the problem
due to internal and external problems. Thus, giving awareness to residents, encouraging the
enterprises to treat wastes and use best available technologies, regular monitoring and
inspection of industries, improving the institutional capacity of environmental protection organs
and strengthening the coordination between relevant institutions are recommended to solve the
problem
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Keywords
Industrial zone, Akaki kality