Roles of Local Government Council on the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

to this paper should be made as follows: Jackson, J. O, C., Dokubo, and Taylor, D. I., (2025). Roles of local government council on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, European Journal of Educational and Environmental Research 3(3), 401-417 Introduction Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is a global commitment aimed at ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Established by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 6 seeks to address issues of water scarcity, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices, particularly in developing countries. Access to clean water and sanitation is not only a fundamental human right but also a crucial factor in promoting public health, reducing poverty, and fostering environmental sustainability. In Nigeria, the achievement of SDG 6 is particularly significant due to persistent challenges such as poor waste disposal, open defecation, and inadequate water supply, which affect millions of citizens, especially in urban centers like Port Harcourt. Local government councils play a crucial role in the implementation of SDG 6 by serving as the closest tier of government to the people. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria mandates local governments with responsibilities such as waste management, water supply, and environmental sanitation to enhance community well-being (Ojo, 2020). As the administrative authority overseeing grassroots development, local government councils are tasked with ensuring that policies and programmes related to water and sanitation are effectively implemented at the community level. This responsibility involves planning, funding, and monitoring sanitation projects while collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including state and federal governments, private organisations, and international agencies. One of the key roles of local government councils in achieving SDG 6 is promoting proper waste management practices. Many communities suffer from poor sanitation due to a lack of knowledge about proper waste disposal methods. The local government is responsible for educating residents on best practices for waste segregation, recycling, and responsible waste disposal. Public awareness campaigns through town hall meetings, radio programmes, and social media platforms help to instill a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility among citizens (Adebayo, 2021). Promoting waste management awareness, the local government reduces indiscriminate dumping, thereby improving public health and overall community hygiene. Waste policing is another essential function of the local government in enforcing environmental laws and sanitation regulations. Waste policing involves monitoring waste disposal practices, penalising illegal dumping, and ensuring compliance with sanitation policies. The local government council employs environmental officers who inspect neighborhoods and market place to ensure that businesses and households properly dispose of their waste. In cases of non-compliance, sanctions such as fines and temporary business closures serve as deterrents to unsanitary practices (Chukwuma, 2019). Effective waste policing not only keeps communities clean but also minimises pollution of water sources, ultimately contributing to the realisation of SDG 6. Again, the establishment and maintenance of waste facilities such as landfills, recycling centers, and sewage treatment plants fall under the jurisdiction of local government councils. Proper waste management infrastructure is essential for ensuring that solid and liquid waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Open dumping and poorly managed landfills often result in groundwater contamination, contributing to the spread of waterborne diseases. By investing in modern waste facilities, local governments can promote recycling, convert waste to energy, and minimise environmental degradation (Nwankwo, 2022). Effective waste treatment systems not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also support economic opportunities in waste recycling and resource recovery. The adoption of innovative sanitation technologies is another strategy employed by local government councils to improve sanitation in urban areas like Port Harcourt. Traditional sewage systems are often inadequate, leading to water contamination and the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. To address this, local governments partner with technology firms and environmental agencies to introduce modern sanitation solutions such as bio- digester toilets, waterless toilets, and solar-powered sewage treatment plants (Okonkwo and Ese, 2022). These technologies provide sustainable alternatives to conventional waste disposal methods, reducing the reliance on unsanitary pit latrines and open defecation, which are prevalent in many informal settlements. Beyond sanitation, flood control and drainage management are critical functions of local government councils in ensuring sustainable water management. Port Harcourt Metropolis is particularly prone to flooding due to its low-lying geography and poor drainage infrastructure. The local government is responsible for constructing and maintaining drainage systems to prevent water stagnation and urban flooding. Regular desilting of gutters, enforcement of building regulations, and development of flood control measures help to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and rising water levels (Uche, 2021). By prioritising flood control, local governments protect water resources from contamination and safeguard communities from the health hazards associated with stagnant water, such as malaria and waterborne diseases. Ensuring access to safe and reliable water sources is another fundamental responsibility of local government councils in achieving SDG 6. Many communities, particularly in peri-urban areas of Port Harcourt, lack access to clean drinking water, forcing residents to rely on untreated boreholes and rivers. The local government is tasked with the provision of potable water through the construction of boreholes, water treatment plants, and distribution networks (Ibrahim, 2020). Additionally, monitoring water quality to prevent contamination is essential to safeguarding public health. Regular testing and purification measures ensure that community water sources meet the required safety standards, thereby reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. Drainage infrastructure plays an important role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. Inadequate drainage systems contribute to poor sanitation, water contamination, and increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases. According to Adebayo and Nwachukwu (2021), well-planned drainage networks help to channel wastewater and stormwater away from residential areas, reducing the risks of flooding and environmental pollution. Several scholars have examined the role of local government councils in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. Their research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by local governments in this endeavour. One notable study is by Adesiyan (2019), who explored the role of local governments in attaining sustainable development goals in Nigeria. Adesiyan emphasised that local governments, due to their proximity to the grassroots, are crucial in implementing poverty alleviation programmes and sustainable development initiatives. However, the study highlighted challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of capacity, and political interference, which hinder effective service delivery at the local level. Statement of the Problem Access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) emphasises the need for safe and sustainable water and sanitation management. In Nigeria, local government councils are responsible for implementing policies and infrastructure to improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. However, in Port Harcourt Metropolis, some communities still lack access to clean water and proper sanitation, exposing residents to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid and contributing to environmental degradation. Several factors contribute to this problem. Inadequate water supply systems force residents to rely on contaminated wells, streams, and boreholes, while poor sanitation infrastructure results in open defecation and inefficient waste disposal. Weak policy enforcement and poor stakeholder coordination further hinder progress, as local government interventions lack consistency, funding, and proper monitoring. Additionally, public awareness on sanitation practices remains low, reducing community participation in maintaining hygiene standards. Despite ongoing efforts such as waste disposal programmes, water projects, and sanitation campaigns by the governemnt, these initiatives have not significantly improved water and sanitation access. The persistence of these issues raises concerns about the effectiveness of local government interventions in achieving SDG 6. There is a need to examine the efficiency of local government strategies, identify key gaps in implementation, and explore innovative approaches to enhance water and sanitation services in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The question now is: How effective are local government interventions in achieving SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis? Providing an answer is the problem of this study. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of local government council on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Specifically, the study sought to: 1. determine the roles of local government councils in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State 2. find out the roles of local government councils in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State 3. ascertain the roles of local government councils in building effective drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State Research Questions The following research questions guided the study: 1. What is the role of local government councils in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State? 2. What is the role of local government councils in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State? 3. What is the role of local government councils in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State? Hypotheses The following hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance: 1. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the roles of local government council in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. 2. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the roles of local government council in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. 3. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the roles of local government council in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State Methodology This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 3,640 respondents, which consists of 1,385 staff of Port Harcourt Local Government Council and 144 community stakeholders in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and 1,886 staff of Obio-Akpor Local Government Council and 225 community stakeholders in Obio-Akpor Local Government. The sample size is 360 respondents. The Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size from the total population of 3,640. The multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. The instrument for data collection in this study was a researcher-designed questionnaire titled ‘Roles of local government council on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 Questionnaire (RLGCASDG6Q). The completed copies of the questionnaire were analysed for reliability using Cronbach Alpha Method. The reliability coefficients of 0.78, 0.81 and 0.81 were obtained for the various clusters of the instrument which showed the instrument was reliable. Out of the 360 copies of questionnaire distributed, only 346 copies representing 87% were retrieved and this proportion was used for the analysis. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the null hypotheses were tested using Z-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance. Results and Discussion Research Question One: What is the role of local government council in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State? Table 1: Mean Ratings and Standard Deviation of Local Government Staff and Community Stakeholders on the Role of Local Government Council in Promoting Proper Waste Management Practices Toward the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. N=346 S/N Items LG Staff (n=315) Mean LG Staff (n=315) SD LG Staff Remark Stakeholders (n=31) Mean Stakeholders (n=31) SD Stakeholders Remark 1. The local government provides waste collection services in both urban and rural communities. 3.88 0.39 Agree 3.03 1.03 Agree 2. Public awareness 2.54 1.18 Agree 2.28 1.05 Disagree campaigns on proper waste disposal are regularly conducted by the local government. 3. The local government supports waste recycling and waste sorting practices in the Metropolis. 1.85 0.94 Disagree 2.17 1.11 Disagree 4. Local sanitation officers are adequately deployed to manage indiscriminate dumping of waste. 3.40 0.79 Agree 3.69 0.66 Agree 5. Waste disposal equipment and vehicles are sufficiently provided by the local government. 3.88 0.48 Agree 3.67 0.58 Agree Grand Mean 3.11 Agree 2.97 Agree Data presented in Table 1 above shows the mean ratings and standard deviation of local government staff and community stakeholders on the role of local government council in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The data indicates that the mean ratings of local government staff for items 1 to 5 are: 3.88, 2.54, 1.85, 3.40 and 3.88 while the community stakeholders’ mean ratings are: 3.03, 2.28, 2.17, 3.69 and 3.67. Based on the criterion mean of 2.50, both local government staff and stakeholders agreed with items 1, 4, and 5, indicating that the local government provided waste collection services, adequately deploys sanitation officers to manage indiscriminate dumping, and sufficiently provided waste disposal equipment and vehicles in the Metropolis. However, items 2 and 3 were rated above the criterion mean, showing disagreement that the local government regularly conducts public awareness campaigns and supports waste recycling and sorting practices. The cluster means are 3.11 for local government council staff and 2.97 for community stakeholders, while the grand mean of 3.04 indicated that the answer to research question one is that the local government council plays a significant role in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers state. Research Question Two: What is the role of local government councils in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port- Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State? Table 2: Mean Ratings and Standard Deviation of Local Government Staff and Community Stakeholders on the Role of Local Government Council in Rehabilitating Degraded Water Sources Toward the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. N=346 S/N Items LG Staff (n=315) Mean LG Staff (n=315) SD LG Staff Remark Stakeholders (n=31) Mean Stakeholders (n=31) SD Stakeholders Remark 6. Local government actively rehabilitates broken-down boreholes and community water taps. 2.72 1.14 Agree 2.06 0.95 Disagree 7. Monitoring and testing of water sources are carried out by local government officials. 2.05 0.83 Disagree 2.19 0.89 Disagree 8. The council repairs damaged public water infrastructure when reported. 3.19 0.77 Agree 3.25 0.96 Agree 9. Restoration of polluted rivers or streams is a priority of 3.65 0.7 Agree 2.22 0.99 Disagree the local government. 10. The local council supports the development of sustainable water conservation systems. 3.81 0.54 Agree 3.67 0.58 Agree Grand Mean 3.08 Agree 2.68 Agree Data presented in Table 2 above shows the mean ratings and standard deviation of local government staff and community stakeholders on the role of local government council in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The data indicated that the mean ratings of local government staff for items 6 to 10 are: 2.72, 2.05, 3.19, 3.65, and 3.81, while the community stakeholders’ mean ratings are: 2.06, 2.19, 3.25, 2.22, and 3.67. Based on the criterion mean of 2.50, both local government staff and stakeholders disagreed with items 6 and 7, indicating that the local government does not actively rehabilitate broken-down boreholes and water taps, and that monitoring and testing of water sources are not frequently carried out. However, items 8, 9, and 10 were rated above the criterion mean, showing agreement that the local council repairs damaged water infrastructure, prioritised the restoration of polluted rivers or streams, and supports the development of sustainable water conservation systems. The cluster means are 3.08 for local government staff and 2.68 for stakeholders, while the grand mean of 2.89 indicated that the answer to research question two is that the local government council plays a moderate role in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Research Question Three: What is the role of local government councils in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port- Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State? Table 3: Mean Ratings and Standard Deviation of Local Government Staff and Community Stakeholders on the Role of Local Government Council in Building Drainage Infrastructures Toward the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. N=346 S/N Items LG Staff (n=315) Mean LG Staff (n=315) SD LG Staff Remark Stakeholders (n=31) Mean Stakeholders (n=31) SD Stakeholders Remark 11. The local government constructs and rehabilitates drainage 3.24 0.92 Agree 2.22 0.99 Disagree systems in flood-prone areas. 12. Regular desilting and maintenance of drainage channels are carried out by the council. 2.38 1.19 Disagree 2.19 0.86 Disagree 13. Drainage development is incorporated into the annual local government work plans. 2.42 0.87 Disagree 2.25 0.94 Disagree 14. Drainage projects are supervised and inspected by local government engineers. 3.83 0.48 Agree 3.69 0.62 Agree 15. The council takes measures to ensure drains are not blocked by residents or businesses. 3.91 0.3 Agree 3.22 1.26 Agree Grand Mean 3.16 Agree 2.71 Agree Data presented in Table 3 above shows the mean ratings and standard deviation of local government staff and community stakeholders on the role of local government council in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The data indicated that the mean ratings of local government staff for items 11 to 15 are: 3.24, 2.38, 2.42, 3.83, and 3.91, while the community stakeholders’ mean ratings are: 2.22, 2.19, 2.25, 3.69, and 3.22. Based on the criterion mean of 2.50, both local government staff and stakeholders agreed with items 11, 14, and 15, indicating that the local government constructed and rehabilitated drainage systems in flood-prone areas, supervised and inspected drainage projects through engineers, and takes measures to prevent blockage of drains by residents or businesses. However, items 12 and 13 were rated below the criterion mean, suggesting disagreement that regular desilting is carried out and that drainage development is incorporated into annual local government work plans. The cluster means are 3.16 for local government staff and 2.71 for stakeholders, while the grand mean of 2.94 indicated that the answer to research question three is that the local government council contributed meaningfully to building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Test for Hypotheses H01: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the roles of local government council in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Table 4: Summary of Z-Test on the Difference Between Local Government Staff and Community Stakeholders in Their Mean Ratings on the Roles of Local Government Council in Promoting Proper Waste Management Practices Toward the Achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. N=346 Status N Mean Std. Df z-cal z-critical Decision Local Government staff 315 3.11 0.76 344 0.92 1.96 Accepted Community Stakeholders 31 2.97 0.87 Based on Table 4 and the hypothesis (H01) presented: The study involved 315 local government staff and 31 community stakeholders. Local government staff rated the roles of local government councils in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of SDG 6 higher (Mean = 3.11) compared to community stakeholders (Mean = 2.97). The calculated z-value was 0.92, while the critical z-value at the 0.05 significance level is 1.96. Since the calculated z- value (0.92) is less than the critical value (1.96), the null hypothesis (H01) is accepted. This result indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders regarding the roles of local government councils in promoting proper waste management practices toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Therefore, based on these findings, it can be concluded that both groups share relatively similar perceptions of the contributions of local government councils to proper waste management practices in the area. H02: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community leaders on the roles of local government council in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Table 5: Summary of Z-Test on the Difference Between Local Government Staff and Community Stakeholders in Their Mean Ratings on the Roles of Local Government Council in Rehabilitating Degraded Water Sources Toward the Achievement of SDG 6 in Port- Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. N=346 Status N Mean Std. Df z-cal z-critical Decision Local Government staff 315 3.08 0.79 344 2.63 1.96 Rejected Community Stakeholders 31 2.68 0.87 Based on Table 5 and the hypothesis (H02) presented: The study involved 315 local government staff and 31 community stakeholders. Local government staff rated the roles of local government councils in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of SDG 6 higher (Mean = 3.08) compared to community stakeholders (Mean = 2.68). The calculated z-value was 2.63, while the critical z-value at the 0.05 significance level is 1.96. Since the calculated z-value (2.63) is greater than the critical value (1.96), the null hypothesis (H02) is rejected. This result indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders regarding the roles of local government councils in rehabilitating degraded water sources toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Therefore, it can be concluded that the two groups differ significantly in their perceptions of the contributions of local government councils in this aspect of water resource management. H03: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community leaders on the roles of local government council in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Table 6: Summary of Z-Test on the Difference Between Local Government Staff and Community Stakeholders in Their Mean Ratings on the Roles of Local Government Council in Building Drainage Infrastructures Toward the Achievement of SDG 6 in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. N=346 Status N Mean Std. Df z-cal z-critical Decision Local Government staff 315 3.16 0.75 344 2.79 1.96 Rejected Community Stakeholders 31 2.71 0.93 Based on Table 6 and the hypothesis (H03) presented: The study involved 324 local government staff and 36 community stakeholders. Local government staff rated the roles of local government councils in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of SDG 6 higher (Mean = 3.16) compared to community stakeholders (Mean = 2.71). The calculated z-value was 2.79, while the critical z-value at the 0.05 significance level is 1.96. Since the calculated z-value (2.79) is greater than the critical value (1.96), the null hypothesis (H03) is rejected. This result indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders regarding the roles of local government councils in building drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Therefore, it can be concluded that both groups differ significantly in their perceptions of the contributions of local government councils in this area of environmental management. Discussion of Findings The findings from this study indicate that local government councils play a meaningful role in promoting waste management practices toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The data revealed a general agreement between local government staff and community stakeholders on the contributions of the councils to proper waste management in the Metropolis. Items assessed included waste collection services, public awareness campaigns, recycling and sorting practices, deployment of sanitation officers, and the provision of waste disposal equipment and vehicles. The respondents’ ratings ranged from 2.01 to 3.78, with a grand mean of 3.04, which falls within the “Agree” range on the Likert scale. This implied that both groups acknowledged the supportive role of local government councils in waste management, although with some areas requiring improvement. The tested hypothesis showed that there was no significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the extent local government councils promoted proper waste management practices toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Specifically, respondents agreed that local governments provided waste collection services to both urban and rural communities (3.46), adequately deploy sanitation officers to curb indiscriminate dumping of waste (3.55), and supply sufficient waste disposal equipment and vehicles (3.78). This findings highlighted the operational roles played by the councils in maintaining sanitation infrastructure and responding to waste management needs across various communities. The deployment of sanitation officers appears to be a particularly effective strategy, ensuring localised monitoring and enforcement of waste regulations at the grassroots level. This aligns with the findings of Ogundele and Akintayo (2022), who noted that the visibility and effectiveness of sanitation officers significantly improve urban waste management outcomes in Nigerian cities. However, the study also revealed areas of concern. Both local government staff and community stakeholders disagreed with statements regarding regular public awareness campaigns on waste disposal (2.41) and support for recycling and waste sorting practices (2.01). This suggest a gap in preventive and sustainable waste management efforts, such as education and waste minimisation strategies. Public awareness and recycling programmes are crucial components of an integrated waste management system, and their absence undermines long-term progress toward SDG 6. This result are consistent with the work of Chijioke (2021), who found that while many local governments focus on waste collection, there is a limited emphasis on education, segregation, and environmental sustainability in waste policies. In the context of Port Harcourt Metropolis where rapid urbanisation, informal settlements, and population growth contribute to mounting waste challenges, the absence of proactive measures like public sensitisation and recycling infrastructure remains a critical barrier. Respondents’ disagreement on these issues reflects dissatisfaction with the strategic planning and community engagement functions of the councils. The finding suggests that while operational mechanisms are in place, they are not complemented by sufficient community-driven initiatives. Furthermore, the relatively low standard deviation among local government staff compared to community stakeholders indicated a more consistent perception of waste management practices within the institutional system than among community members. This divergence points to a potential communication gap or a difference in expectations between policy implementers and beneficiaries. According to Ese and Obinna (2023), such gap can hinder policy alignment and reduce public trust in local governance, particularly in environmental initiatives. Conclusively, the study demonstrates that the local government council in Port Harcourt Metropolis contributed to promoting waste management practices that support the attainment of SDG 6, particularly through infrastructure provision and sanitation workforce deployment. However, greater emphasis is needed on public education, recycling initiatives, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure a more sustainable and community-centered approach to waste management. Strengthening these areas would not only improve environmental outcomes but also enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of local governance structures in delivering on sustainable development goals. Finding from the study revealed that local government councils play a moderate but meaningful role in rehabilitating degraded water sources in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Based on the analysis in Table 2, the respondents' mean ratings ranged from 2.12 to 3.67, with a grand mean of 2.89, indicating that the respondents generally agreed that local governments are involved in efforts to restore water sources, though with varying levels of effectiveness across specific areas. The respondents agreed that local councils undertake certain critical functions such as repairing damaged public water infrastructure when reported (3.22), prioritising the restoration of polluted rivers and streams (3.67), and supporting the development of sustainable water conservation systems (2.68). These roles are significant given the context of Port Harcourt Metropolis, where water pollution, flooding, and infrastructure decay have posed longstanding challenges to clean water access and environmental health. The positive ratings on these items suggest that some councils are making strategic efforts to rehabilitate water systems, especially in urban neighborhoods that rely on boreholes, water taps, and streams as sources of domestic water supply. The tested hypothesis showed that there was a significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the extent local government councils rehabilitate degraded water sources toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. This findings align with the position of Uche and Eseani (2021), who observed that local government interventions in water system rehabilitation though often constrained by resources have helped mitigate the collapse of water infrastructure in parts of southern Nigeria. Their work emphasises that local governments, when empowered, can coordinate community-level responses to environmental degradation. However, the study also revealed key gaps. Respondents disagreed that local governments actively rehabilitated broken-down boreholes and community water taps (2.39), and that monitoring and testing of water sources are regularly carried out by local officials (2.12). These low ratings point to a deficiency in preventive maintenance and routine quality assurance. The inability to restore small-scale water sources, often the most accessible sources of water in underserved communities, can exacerbate public health risks and undermine the objectives of SDG 6, which emphasises “clean water and sanitation for all.” Furthermore, the absence of regular testing raises concerns about water safety, particularly in areas where groundwater contamination is common due to oil spills, industrial runoff, and poor sanitation. The inconsistency between reported infrastructure repairs and the neglect of boreholes and quality control suggests that local government efforts may be reactive rather than strategic. According to Adewumi (2022), many local councils tend to focus on visible infrastructure projects for political visibility while neglecting maintenance routines and environmental monitoring that are less publicly noticeable but equally critical. This trend may be reflected in the current findings, where more visible actions (e.g., repair of public water facilities) received higher ratings than ongoing practices like monitoring or borehole rehabilitation. Another key observation is the discrepancy in perception between local government staff and community stakeholders. Local government staff generally rated their efforts higher, while stakeholders—who are the direct beneficiaries—gave lower ratings on several items, especially regarding proactive rehabilitation and testing. This disparity may indicate a communication gap or a difference between policy intent and actual implementation outcomes. Ibrahim and Ogolo (2023) argue that such perception gaps often arise due to limited citisen participation in water governance and insufficient feedback mechanisms between councils and communities. In conclusion, the finding suggest that while local government councils in Port Harcourt Metropolis have taken notable steps toward rehabilitating degraded water sources especially through infrastructure repair and water conservation initiatives critical gaps remain in the rehabilitation of boreholes, routine monitoring, and testing of water quality. To fully realise the goals of SDG 6, there is a need for more proactive, community-inclusive, and health-focused approaches to water source rehabilitation. Strengthening technical capacity, enforcing maintenance schedules, and integrating local stakeholders into water governance processes will enhance the impact and sustainability of interventions in the water sector. The finding of the study revealed that local government councils play an appreciable role in building and maintaining drainage infrastructures to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. As presented in Table 3, the mean ratings from respondents ranged from 2.29 to 3.76, with a grand mean of 2.94, which falls within the “Agree” range on the Likert scale. This indicated that respondents acknowledged the contributions of the local government councils in drainage development, although with some observed limitations in planning and maintenance. Respondents agreed that the local government councils are involved in the construction and rehabilitation of drainage systems in flood-prone areas (2.73), that local engineers supervised and inspected drainage projects (3.76), and that the councils take measures to prevent drains from being blocked by residents and businesses (3.57). This finding are particularly relevant in Port Harcourt, where flooding has become a recurrent environmental and public health challenge due to inadequate or poorly maintained drainage systems, increased urbanisation, and poor waste disposal practices. The tested hypothesis showed that there was a significant difference in the mean ratings of local government staff and community stakeholders on the extent local government councils built drainage infrastructures toward the achievement of SDG 6 in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The strong agreement on project supervision and efforts to prevent drain blockages suggests that local governments are making tangible efforts to manage surface water effectively, reducing flood risks, and protecting water-related infrastructure. This aligns with the position of Okonkwo and Ebong (2022), who noted that local government participation in drainage and flood control projects has a direct impact on public health outcomes and water sustainability in urban environments. However, the study also revealed areas where respondents expressed disagreement. Specifically, both local government staff and stakeholders disagreed that regular desilting and maintenance of drainage channels are carried out by the councils (2.29) and that drainage development is adequately incorporated into the annual work plans of the local governments (2.34). This finding indicated a lack of proactive planning and routine maintenance, which are essential components of sustainable drainage infrastructure. Without consistent desilting and integration of drainage goals into strategic work plans, the longevity and effectiveness of drainage systems become compromised. The absence of structured maintenance undermines resilience against seasonal flooding, particularly during the rainy season when blocked or collapsed drains can cause water to overflow into residential and commercial areas. This finding supports the argument by Bello and Nwachukwu (2021) that drainage infrastructure in many Nigerian cities suffers from neglect due to poor funding, lack of political will, and insufficient integration into local development plans. Additionally, the disparity in perception between local government staff and community stakeholders particularly with lower ratings from stakeholders may suggest that the visible actions of the councils do not fully translate into practical improvements at the community level. Stakeholders may observe recurring flooding or poorly maintained drains, despite the existence of projects on paper or supervision efforts claimed by local staff. This reflects a broader issue of transparency, community engagement, and feedback in local governance, as emphasised by Nnadi and Udeh (2023), who advocated for participatory planning and public accountability in infrastructure development. In summary, the finding suggests that local government councils in Port Harcourt Metropolis contribute significantly to building and overseeing drainage infrastructures that support SDG 6. Their strengths lie in project supervision and public sensitisation against drain blockage. However, to achieve greater sustainability and effectiveness, there is a need for more consistent desilting activities, structured integration of drainage projects into local government work plans, and improved collaboration with community stakeholders. Such improvements would not only mitigate environmental hazards but also enhance access to safe and clean water by preventing contamination from floodwaters and poorly managed runoff systems. Conclusion The study revealed that several roles of local government councils including proper waste management, rehabilitation of degraded water sources, construction of drainage infrastructures, promotion of Public-Private Partnerships , and enforcement of water and sanitation policies significantly influenced the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Specifically, the results demonstrated strong community and administrative support for proper waste management and drainage infrastructure as key drivers of improved sanitation and flood control, while moderate positive impacts were observed from policy enforcement, PPPs, and water source rehabilitation. Recommendations Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: 1. Local government councils should intensify efforts in public education and community-based waste management initiatives. 2. 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