It was around 3:00 p.m. on a Wednesday in the Abata area, Offa local government, Kwara state. Some passers-by covered their noses, flies holding party, so as lizards were dancing. The canal has welcomed a series of refuse, faeces, and urine.
Despite the scorchy sun, this reporter manages to gather information on how dirty the Abata canal is. The canal is capable of sending incurable diseases to each house as the area was polluted with refuse, faeces, and urine.
The residents complain of being tired of the area and how they have been coping with this intolerable place. In their narration, they said most of the time, those that came to dump refuse are from afar places while they (the residents) are facing the consequences.
Speaking with a resident who preferred to be called, Fatai, a man in his early 70s said, “It’s a serious matter, as I have been trying my best to curb them from dumping refuse, or passing excretion into that canal. Sometimes, I stay outside till 3:00 a.m Maybe I will be able to hold one responsible but to no avail. Once I sleep off, they continue with their devilish act.
“Although, I have been able to catch some people who are also residents. So, what I’m I to do other than free them? In fact, that house (he points to a direction) is fond of throwing their passed faeces into the canal despite several warnings.”
“This issue has been causing diseases in this area. Serious diseases!” he added.
When asked if there is any support or assistance from the government or NGOs, he said “No, we have been the ones battling this issue within ourselves”.
CROSSING TO THE OTHER SIDE
In an interview with a woman in her early 50s who preferred to be addressed as Iya Fatimah, she said, “Due to the rate of refuse dumped in the canal, it has to lead to flood whenever there is rain. In fact, whenever there is rain, the flood occupies where we are standing now and surrounds this house.”
In a sad tone, she narrates “Part of this house has been demolished by the flood. Although I’m not sleeping here, I always come here daily for my work— fish smoking.
“It reaches some extent where the owners of this house have to relocate because they couldn’t bear it.”, she added.
When she was asked if there has been any assistance from either government or NGOs, she said, “Yes, there has once been an intervention of the Kwara south senator, Arch Yisa Lola Ashiru who instructed some people to visit this area. After the visitation, he asked them to renovate a house of an old woman living there (she pointed out) which they did.
“After that, there has not been any help from anywhere,” she added.
Expert’s Reaction
Speaking with Kilaso Emmanuel Ola , The founder and the Executive Director of Securecycle Environment and Climate Change Initiative, he said improper refuse disposal is a major environmental problem in Nigeria that requires urgent attention. A concerted effort is needed from the government, individuals, and communities to address the problem and ensure a clean and healthy environment for all.
He speaks further, “Improper refuse disposal is a major environmental problem in Nigeria. It has become a common sight in many cities to see heaps of waste littered around, polluting the environment and posing health risks to humans and animals alike and Offa is not left out of this uncomfortable situation.
“One of the major causes of improper refuse disposal in Nigeria is poor waste management practices. Many cities lack the necessary infrastructure for waste disposal, such as garbage trucks, waste bins, and landfills. As a result, people resort to disposing of their waste in open spaces, gutters, and other inappropriate places. This leads to the accumulation of waste, which creates an eyesore and generates foul smells that are harmful to the environment”.
How to address the problem
Kilaso said, “As a non-governmental organization we have been carrying out a series of environmental education programs at different levels. One of such is the Environmental clubs we established in schools”.
He added, “To address the problem of improper refuse disposal in Nigeria, there is a need for a holistic approach that includes education, public awareness campaigns, and investment in waste management infrastructure. The government should take the lead by providing adequate waste management facilities such as garbage trucks, waste bins, and landfills. They should also enforce existing laws and regulations on waste disposal to ensure compliance and proper sanitation.
“Individuals also have a role to play in proper waste disposal by adopting responsible waste management practices such as separating waste at the source, composting, and recycling.
“Community-based organizations can also work together to organize regular clean-up exercises in their neighborhoods and create awareness of the dangers of improper waste disposal”, he added.
The effect of improper refuse disposal and diseases likely to be contacted by the residents
The improper refuse disposal can cause water and air pollution which can lead to respiratory diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
In his statement, he said, “The impact of improper refuse disposal on the environment cannot be overstated. The littered waste can cause air and water pollution, leading to respiratory problems and diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The piles of waste also serve as breeding grounds for insects and rodents, which can carry disease and further spread contamination”.
