Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Water Resource Issue in Isokoland

Water Resource Issue in Isokoland WATER RESOURCE PROBLEMS IN ISOKOLAND S.I. Efe INTRODUCTION Water is one of the basic necessities of life next to air, food and shelter. But its provision varies from place to place in accordance with its yield in the hydrological setting and climatic characteristics in that area. The coastal location and the equatorial climate of Isokoland precipitated in heavy and long duration rainfall of over 3000mm per annum, and last for 10—11 months per annum (Efe, 2007). This scenario over the years has endowed the entire Isokoland with abundant groundwater and surface water recharge. But the discussion of water resources in the region has been glossed over to discussing those of Nigeria and Delta State water problem (see Ayoadc and Oycbande, 1983 and Efe and Olobaniyi, 2007). As such information of water resources in Isokoland is lacking in literature. Thus, this study of water resources in Isokoland is timely at this time when there is a global shortage of water supply. This paper is set to examine the sources, methods of purifying domestic w ater, factors of inadequate water supply and management measures adopted over the years in Isokoland. Physio-graphically, Isokoland is located in a low-lying area of >l0m above sea level, and ii is drained by River Ase that is characterized with deep valley from which sand bars and fine materials are washed to its lower course. This area is also underlain by tertiary sedimentary formation, which has led to the variation in water depth, quality and yield. For instance, water level increases from 0 — 4m throughout the year and this scenario has encouraged abundant water supply in Isokoland. Methods of Data Collection Field survey research design was adopted for data collection with the aid of direct field observation and administration of questionnaires. Direct counting of water projects was carried out in the major accessible streets in Ozoro, Oleh and surrounding villages (where the questionnaires were administered) and also to ascertain their operators (from 6th August 11th August, 2007). The questionnaires were administered through systematic random sampling of 5 household intervals in each street, and the literate person in each household was used. The researcher with the 300 level students of Geography and Regional Planning 2006/2007 session on fieldwork waited and collected the questionnaire immediately from the respondents on completion. A test-retest technique of administering 10 questionnaires at two different occasions was employed with the aid of Spearman’s Rank correlation analysis with r-value of 0.83, and the researcher did a facial content validity. Descriptive statistics were employed and the results arc discussed below. Results and Discussion The data collected from the field are presented in Tables 1— 4 and discussed below. Sources of Water and Methods of Collection There are three (3) basic sources of water supply in Isokoland, which include rainwater, bores and surface water. rflle predominant sources of water supply for Isokoland is rainwater harvesting, which indicates 53%. This is followed by bores (44%) and river/stream (3%). Comparing urban-rural water sources showed that most urban dwellers of Ozoro and Oleh patronize bores than the two water sources. This, however, negates the earlier view of Efe (2005) that 20% of Ozoro dwellers are engage in rainwater harvesting and in the rural areas of Ada, Ellu, Oyede, Ivwrogbo, and Ovorode etc, rainwater harvesting is vigorously carried out in these area (see table 1). Table 3.1: Sources of domestic water supply Source: Fieldwork, 2007 The disparities in these sources of domestic water could be ascribed to differential in income level, awareness and the price. On the other hand, only 3% of those residing at Ivwrogbo get their domestic water from River Ase. However, in the rural communities where rainwater harvesting is being practiced, the rainwater is harvested from corrugated roofing sheets and collected through gutter into Bowls, Basin and Buckets. This is evident from 59% of the respondents that employed these methods. On the other hand, the inhabitants also employed the following means of water storage: artificial well (17%), Jerry can (17%) and Tanks (7%) (see Table 2). On the other hand, the domestic water supply gotten from bores at Ozoro and Oleh is stored in tanks with 65% in private bores, and 35% in commercial. However, water gotten from the public taps are stored in bowl and jerry cans in various homes visited. From the communities visited, a total of 97 water bores were counted in area where the questionnaires where administered. Out of the 97 bores, a total of 59 bores are owned and maintained by private individuals for their private uses, 36 bores owned by private individuals but commercialized, while only 2 bores are owned and serviced by the State Water Board (see ‘fable 3). Table 3.3: Bores in Isokoland Water Treatments and Provider of Water Table 3.4 reveals that most of the inhabitants of Isokoland do not purify their domestic water before consumption. This is evident from 73% of the inhabitants who opined that they do not treat their water before consumption. While 27% indicated that they purify their water before consumption, they do it with the introduction of alum and by boiling. However these are some of the elite class found in the urban areas of Ozoro and Oieh, Asked why filtration and chlorination method is not adopted in their water purification, they all responded that it is time wasting and involve large capital outlay. Even the public water supplied by the State Water l3oard in Ozoro is not purified. Official of the State Water Board said that since the water is underground water, it does not need treatment more or less that there are no reported cases of water borne diseases in the area. Most inhabitants of Ozoro, Oleh, Ada, Oyede and Ellu etc patronize private water supply. About 60% of the inhabitants of Isokoland patronize private bores that often pay between #3 #10 for 20 litres of water (see tables 3.2 and 3.5). Table 3.5: Providers of domestic water Source: Fieldwork, 2007 This price however varies with the availability of electricity in the area. For instance, when there is regular power supply 20 litres of water is sold for #3, but if generator is used in pumping the water, it is then sold for between #5 — #10. r1his price according to inhabitants of the area has invariably reduced the quantity of water utilized from this source to 20 litres; and during the wet season most of the inhabitants store more rainwater for domestic uses. The age of the bores in Isokoland fell within the 25 years acceptable useful threshold. For instance, most of the bores for domestic water supply in the area was dug over 10 years ago, as such most of the bores still have 15 years of useful life (United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, 2004). There is, therefore, the need to replace the pumping equipment (submersible pump) and the hydro-pneumatic tank for water storage. These equipment’s have attained their maximum useful age of 10 years. Factors of Inadequate Water Supply and Management Measures There is generally an inadequate water supply in Isokoland. This is evident in most communities visited. For instance, in all the rural areas visited (Ada, Oyede, Ivwrogbo, Ellu etc.) there is virtually the absence of potable water supply. What could be seen in these communities is the presence of private bores and private commercial bores owners who dispense water to their individual homes and as well sell water to the public at the cost of #3 #10. Some manual motorized hand pump in some of the communities (Irri, Oyede, Ellu etc.) is not functioning. Even at Ozoro where the urban water board dispenses water, the people complained of erratic water supply and at times no supply for some weeks. From the above problems, the inhabitants identified the following factors as being responsible for inadequate water supply in Isokoland. Epileptic power supply ranked the highest factor of inadequate water supply in Isokoland, According to most of the inhabitants (93%), frequent power failure always leads to increase in price of water and reduction in the quantity of water consumed per household daily in the area, To overcome this problem government should ensure regular power supply to Isokoland. The respondents ranked inadequate budgetary allocation and lack of maintenance culture equal as factors of inadequate water supply. Funds allocated to this sector by the Local and State Governments over the years is grossly inadequate and as such there is usually the difficulty in the provision of water to most of the communities in isokoland, and at times these funds are not even enough to maintain the existing water projects not to talk of investing in new water projects. There is, therefore, the need for the provision of enough fund for the provision of water supply to these communities most especially all the rural communities of Isokoland since most of the inhabitants live below the poverty threshold of one dollar ($1) a day. rfhere is also the need for more private and non-governmental sector participation in water supply to improve the current rate of supply. It is also recommended that since government cannot provide regular electricity supply to the area, it should abolish t he charging of #5,000 and #10,000 for the private and commercial bore owners respectively. Similarly, since the disturbing network or system of the Ozoro water supply is over-aged (29 years) there is the need for the replacement of most of the pipes, though they still have 6 years of useful life (EPA, 2004). Other factors arc carelessness and indiscriminate wastage and theft. It was observed that some adults and children play with the water by opening it down to run continually and occasionally fight ensue between individual, that often led to destruction of ta head, pipes etc. Also some submersible pumps have been stole most especially those in the rural communities and partly those in Ozoro and Oleh. To overcome these, there should be mass education on the need to take care of public utility in their communities and anyone caught stealing water equipment should be made to face the wrath of the law irrespective of his/her social or political class. Conclusion: The study has been able to examine the water resource problems of Isokoland and has revealed that the livelihood and longevity of life of the people of Isokoland will not only depend heavily on portable water supply but on regular water provision to the rural and urban communities. To ensure this, there is need to implement the above policy measures. REFERENCES Ayoade, J.O. and Oyebande, L. (1983), ‘Water Resources’ in Oguntoyinbo et al (ed) Geography of Nigeria Development, Ibadan, Heinemann. Efe, S.I. (2005), ‘Problems of Water Supply in the Rural Communities of Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Dynamics Vol. 3. pp.14 — 23. Efe, S.I. (2007), ‘Climate of Delta State’ in Izomoh, S.O. Ct al (ed) Delta in Maps, Occasional Publications Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Delta State University, Abraka. Efe, S.1. and Olobaniyi, S.13. (2007), ‘Water Resources’ in Izomoh, S.O. et al (ed) Delta in Maps, Occasional Publications Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Delta State University, Abraka. EPA (2004), Taking Stock of your Water System. A simple asset inventory for small drinking water system. www.epa.gov/safewater, p4.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The City of Thessaloniki (Salonika) Essay example -- History Thessalon

The City of Thessaloniki (Salonika): Cultural, Political, and Religious History (315 BC- 1912) There was once a great city, a cosmopolitan center of commerce and culture. Its' port welcomed immigrants fleeing terror and want; its dense, bustling streets presented a kaleidoscopic variety of native dress and hummed with the sound of the world's languages.? Built on the twin pillars of tolerance and trade, the city was a beacon of pluralism and ethnic hatred. This great city is not New York but Salonika, "the Pearl of the Mediterranean" (1). Salonika, officially known today by the Greek name Thessaloniki, is a magnificent city with a rich heritage.? It was founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedonia, who named this land Thessaloniki after his wife, Thessalonica, daughter of Phillip II and half-sister of Alexander the Great.? Story has it that Phillip received news of his daughter?s birth on the day he conquered Thessaly (2).? He named his daughter ?Thessaloniki?, meaning ?Victory in Thessaly? (3). Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, is also one of oldest European cities.? Over time, Thessaloniki grew to become the industrial and artistic center of Macedonia and one of the few Greek cities to have constantly developed culturally. Early History; Roman Era: During the Roman era, Thessaloniki was a free city and was considered the capital of Roman Macedonia and of the Southern Balkans (4).? In 130 BC the famous Via Egnatia, an important Roman road that linked the East and the West, and the city?s harbor were constructed, both which contributed to the growth and prosperity of the city (5).? In 50 AD, Saint Paul founded the second Christian church, to which he addressed two letters?Thessalonians, the... ...8302&destID=1678&p_id=28302&tn=attraction&search_type= > 12. ?Frommers.com:? Thessaloniki:? Museum or Other Attraction:? Church and Crypt of Ayios Demetrios.?? Frommers.com? 15 Dec, 2003.? Wiley Publishing, Inc.? <http://www.frommers.com/destinations/moreattract.cfm?a_id=28303&destID=1678&directory=thessaloniki&p_id=28303&tn=attraction&leftnav=1678022088 > 13. ?White Tower of Thessaloniki.?? Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 15 Dec, 2003? <http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Tower_of_Thessaloniki> 14. ?Frommers.com:? Thessaloniki:? Museum or Other Attraction:? The White Tower.?? Frommers.com? 15 Dec, 2003.? Wiley Publishing, Inc.? <http://www.frommers.com/destinations/moreattract> 15. ?Frommers.com:? Overview of Thessaloniki.?? Frommers.com? 8 Jan 2004 Wiley Publishing, Inc.? <http://www.frommers.com/destinations/thessaloniki/1678010001.html>

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Theodore Roethke’s poem, “My Papa’s Waltz”

The relationship which is depicted in Theodore Roethke's poem, â€Å"My Papa's Waltz† is that of a father and son. The poem is â€Å"spoken† by a the son who reminisces about the way his drunken father used to dance with him before bed-time while his mother watched nervously. The opening lines of the poem emphasize the father's drinking and the fear which accompanied the dancing for the boy: â€Å"The whiskey on your breath/ Could make a small boy dizzy;/ But I hung on like death:/ Such waltzing was not easy† (Roethke). The words â€Å"dizzy† and â€Å"death† seem to evoke a sinister sense, one which extends into the following stanza: â€Å"We romped until the pans/ Slid from the kitchen shelf; / My mother's countenance/ Could not unfrown itself. † (Roethke). The poem moves very quickly from a sense of nostalgia and familial memory, to an urgent sense of violence and sadness. The reader begins to understand that the words â€Å"waltz† and â€Å"romp† are euphemistic and that any dance which knocks pans off the shelf and makes the mother frown must be — not ordinary dancing. In fact, â€Å"dancing† may itself be a euphemism for child-abuse. The next lines make this violent connotation even more clear: â€Å"The hand that held my wrist/Was battered on one knuckle;/At every step you missed/My right ear scraped a buckle. † (Roethke). At this point the poem begins to reveal its obvious duality: at one level it is a poem about the intimacy of fathers and sons, but at another, perhaps, deeper level, it is a poem about child abuse and about the violence which often exists between fathers and sons. The concluding lines: â€Å"You beat time on my head/With a palm caked hard by dirt,/Then waltzed me off to bed/Still clinging to your shirt. (Roethke) fail to produce any sort of closure regarding the tension of violence between the father and son, nor does the poem seem to shed any sense of forgiveness or understanding on behalf of the narrator who speaks the poem much later in life after time has made him, also, a man. The tone of the poem suggest that euphemism replaces true understanding in bad relationships, in abusive relationships. The poem shows no sense of healing or gained wisdom from abuse, but merely the power to endure by the virtue of memory's capacity to transform the horrible into a ritualistic symbol of the original fear that incited it.

Friday, January 3, 2020

The Patent Law Of Taiwan - 1269 Words

This thesis is to address the possibility of adapting the patent law in Taiwan, compared with what is done in India. These adjustments utilize the so-called â€Å"TRIPS flexibilities† embodied in the TRIPS Agreement (The Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), as Annex 1C of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (hereinafter the WTO) which came into effect in January, 1995. As a trade-off between promoting knowledge diffusion and exclusivity to use the knowledge, the patent system is part of the minimum standard established in the course of the globalization of intellectual property right (IPR). The formation of TRIPS also demonstrates that the strength of private sector and†¦show more content†¦Because of the root of the intellectual property rights inevitably goes to the inherent public goods analysis, favoring partially the inventor s power of control will become a burden for users and competitors. Excessiv e protection may ultimately reduce competition barrier and weaken the power of the national innovation. If developing countries can render their laws to curve it to â€Å"the pro-competitive strategy,† and this would allow the technology free rider countries to become â€Å"fair followers,† as Professor Reichman indicates. In this way, developing countries can make use of â€Å"TRIPS flexibilities,† because â€Å"wiggle room† in fact exists in the TRIPS Agreement. For example, Brazil employs this idea in constructing its compulsory license requirements in its copyright law; South Africa adopted a more stringent patent protection than the TRIPS Agreement demands while incorporated a safeguard clause to facilitate the use of essential drugs. Another good example of employing TRIPS flexibilities is the patent law of India. 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