Festac residents cry for help over looming cholera outbreak

Residents of Festac Town have called on the Lagos State Government and the chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area , Valentine Buraimoh, to step in and stop the looming outbreak of cholera in the area.

This, they said, became necessary following the vandalisation of all the sewage covers by  some disgruntled elements in the area.

According to the residents, the looming outbreak is as a result of blocked and over-filled underground sewage tanks, which had prompted the sewage to spill on the road constantly, during and after rains.

Investigation revealed that the worst hit area is 401 Road, H Close, where residents said the sewage spillage poses health hazard to school children and kindergartens, whose schools are located in the area, and who inhale the offensive odour on a daily basis as they go to school and return to their various homes.

The road is practically covered with polluted waters, flowing from the overfilled and blocked sewage.

Daily Sun learnt that there are three schools in the area with a population of over 1000 students and pupils. The residents said they have made several efforts to reach the authorities of the local government to step in and help them work on the sewage, but all efforts have proved abortive as the officials of the local government have refused to listen to them.

For instance, they said on 401 Road, H Close, the sewage system was built at the centre of the road, and evacuating it or freeing the blockades will require a permission from the council authorities “and we have done that, but they are yet to respond to our letter which was written and delivered since January 2024.”

The residents lamented that though most of them pay their taxes to the state government, they were yet to feel the impact.  “And the local council is not doing anything to solve the problem. What we are asking the government is to prevent a situation where there will be a cholera outbreak in the area, and a fire brigade approach will now be adopted to solve the problem. We are begging the government to come to our aid to solve this problem.”

When Daily Sun visited the area, residents were seen engaging a local workman to dig out some of the sands and faeces and evacuate them to ameliorate the situation.

Some of the residents said: “One of the most significant consequences of poor sewage management in Festac Town is its impact on public health. When sewage systems fail, untreated waste can contaminate local water sources, leading to outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

“The presence of stagnant water from sewage overflow also creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, exacerbating the spread of malaria.

“The environmental repercussions are equally severe. Untreated sewage can devastate aquatic ecosystems, killing fish and other marine life and disrupting the natural balance. “Additionally, the presence of sewage in public spaces contributes to the area’s aesthetic decline, reducing the quality of life for residents and discouraging potential investors and tourists.”