From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
In Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, residents have been trapped by huge heaps of refuse. It is more of a siege on the community.
Some residents cannot sit in front of their homes. For others, access to the street has been blocked.
This is because of the reckless activities of waste collectors, also known as Maibora. They go around collecting refuse from residents, and dump same indiscriminately.
For the residents, the method is a very convenient way of disposing their refuse, especially as there is no waste disposal plan by the government. However, this refuse disposal style is becoming a nightmare for the residents.
It has now become common to see refuse collectors in Kubwa dumping waste into the canal by the PW Bridge and other canals around.
However, in recent times, the refuse collectors, after getting paid to dispose the waste, turn round to dump them indiscriminately at any available space, including drains and residential areas. From Phase Three in to Byazhin Across and environs, as well as in most parts of Kubwa, the story of indiscriminate disposal of wastes is the same.
Consequently, the residents are forced to live with the environmental pollution and the attendant health hazards. There are already fears that with rains becoming more regular, some of the areas would be prone to floods, owing to blocked drains.
Lawrence Okoro, who lives around Kubwa Phase 3, told Daily Sun: “What these boys do, is that after getting paid to dispose refuse, dump it anywhere they can. It could be along the street. I returned from work recently, to see that a refuse dump has emerged very close to my house.
“We have to pay another Maibora to clear the refuse. If you go around the road, you will discover that most of the drains have been covered by refuse.”
In Byazhin Across, Kubwa, it is the same tale of woes. Our correspondent observed that the road behind the market has become a no-go area for the residents because of the stench of refuse dumped indiscriminately around the area. A resident, Madam Blessing, said the indiscriminate dumping refuse by the collectors has become a serious concern: “We are dying from the odour from these things disposed here.
“It is not as if they don’t make money from it. But I see it as an act of wickedness. They know that it is endangering people’s life. The people staying close to that spot can no longer sit outside their houses due to the stench.
“We have cleared up the place severally. You won’t see the people disposing it but the quantity will speak for it. We have tried many times to discourage the action but it has continued. I want to appeal to the government to help us evacuate it and put an end to it.”
Another resident, Mary Adah, concurred: “After collecting trash and money from other places they are using it to destroy our lives here.
We can no longer use the road freely due to this. I really pity those living close because mosquitoes and flies will discomfort them. These people make enough money from the business, I see no reason they won’t look for a better place to dispose.”
For Friday Okuku, the refuse menace is not only caused by waste collectors but also by some of the residents: “Most of us are lamenting about the activities of scavengers. Yes, they are causing lots of disorder in the society.
“But we too, are not left out in the act. You want your environment to be clean, but after sweeping you wait and dispose your trash in the drainage, which would definitely stop at another person’s house.
“This is one of the causes of flood. Until we start seeing and loving our neighbours as ourselves, we can’t have a better Nigeria that we are all praying for.”
A waste collector, Musa, said: “We empty the waste into drains because since it is rainy season, the waste will be washed away.”
Supervisory Councillor for Health, Bwari Area Council, Mathew Ushafa, said: “It is not within my purview to comment on this.” He referred our correspondent to Head, Department of Environment, in the council.
However, the HoD, Environment, Adamu Sani, in a telephone interview, told Daily Sun: “If you want us to discuss that much, this is telephone, and there is a limit to what we can discuss.
“I appreciate you reported this. As the director, environment, I will take action sincerely. Thank you.” He then hung up.