Assessment of Water Quality and Sanitation in Motor Parks in Abuja Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria

Motor parks in Nigerian cities are high-traffic environments serving large daily populations, yet their water quality and sanitation conditions are rarely systematically evaluated. This study assessed water quality and sanitation conditions in five major motor parks in the Abuja Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. Observational assessments were conducted using standardized environmental health checklists, and water samples from drinking water points in each park were analyzed for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 350 commuters and park workers. Results revealed that potable water supply was available in only two of five parks, and samples from all three remaining parks showed coliform contamination in excess of WHO guidelines. Toilet-to-user ratios in assessed parks ranged from 1:60 to 1:120, far exceeding recommended standards. Handwashing facilities were absent in three parks. Uncollected refuse and poor drainage conditions created unsanitary environments conducive to vector breeding in all assessed locations. Seventy-three percent of commuters expressed dissatisfaction with sanitation facilities in the parks. Food vending activities observed at all parks showed significant food hygiene infractions in seventy-eight percent of vendors. The study recommends urgent sanitation infrastructure investment in Abuja motor parks, regular environmental health inspections by the FCT Environmental Planning Department, and mandatory registration of food vendors with proof of food safety training. Keywords: motor park, water quality, sanitation, Abuja, commuter health.