Abuja residents are grappling with a growing sanitation crisis as mountains of refuse pile up across the city. A recent DAILY POST investigation found overflowing bins, indiscriminate dumping, and a lack of action from relevant authorities.
Overflowing Bins and Uncollected Waste:
- Reporters visited areas like Karu Site, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Kubwa, and Gwarinpa, all plagued by overflowing bins and uncollected trash.
- Residents complain that waste collection is infrequent, with some areas waiting weeks for their bins to be emptied.
- This has led to the formation of “mountains” of refuse, posing health and environmental hazards.
Residents Frustrated by Lack of Action:
- Residents interviewed by DAILY POST expressed frustration with the situation.
- One resident described the stench from overflowing bins as unbearable, while another questioned how people manage to live amidst such filth.
- A fast-food owner revealed a significant drop in business due to the nearby dumpsite, highlighting the economic impact of poor sanitation.
Authorities Point Fingers, Residents Left in Limbo:
- The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) claims they are responsible for cleaning the city centre but not satellite towns.
- The Deputy Director of Information at AEPB, Mrs. Josephine Peni, blames the contractors tasked with waste collection for the lapses.
- However, residents report issues in areas under AEPB’s jurisdiction, suggesting a broader problem.
Beyond Trash: Scavengers and Herdsmen Add to the Woes
- The report also highlights the presence of scavengers, known as “Baban Bola,” who create additional problems by removing manhole covers.
- Freely roaming cattle add to the chaos, causing traffic jams and littering the streets with dung.
Hope on the Horizon?
- Mrs Peni assures residents of collaboration with security agencies to address the issues of Baban Bola and herdsmen.
- She also expresses optimism about the new FCT Minister’s commitment to improving sanitation, but admits there’s a need for more resources.
Residents Wait and See:
While some residents remain skeptical, others hold onto the hope that the new administration will bring about a much-needed change. Only time will tell if Abuja can overcome this mounting trash crisis and restore its liveability.
