An assessment of the relationship between the spatial distribution of undesignated dumpsites and disease occurrence in Budiriro, Harare, Zimbabwe

In order to determine the effects of uncontrolled disposal on residents, a study was carried out in Budiriro in Harare, Zimbabwe. The main objective was to assess the relationship between the spatial distribution of undesignated dumpsites and disease occurrence (cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery) in Wards 33 and 48 of Budiriro. The data used for the study was obtained through administering of questionnaires, use of GPS for locating disease incidences and waste dumps, interviews and observations. Point pattern analysis using the G-function and the K-function was employed in analyzing the spatial distribution of dumpsites and disease incidences. Correlation tests were done to test for the relationship between disease incidences and presence of dumpsites. The results show that there is a significant relationship (p<0.05) between disease incidences and presence of dumpsites. The results also show that diseases can occur in areas where dumpsites are not present as the diseases under study (cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery) are contagious