Imo residents voice concern over uncollected waste in Owerri
Residents of Owerri are expressing alarm over the growing piles of refuse across the city. Many fear that the mounting waste, worsened by recent rainfall, could lead to an outbreak of diseases such as Lassa fever. The situation has caused traffic disruptions and heightened worries about public health and the local economy. Authorities and experts have weighed in on the dangers and possible solutions.
What happened
- Residents have reported that refuse dumps are causing traffic gridlock, especially along Douglas Road and other major areas in Owerri.
- The Eastern Waste Management Company has appealed for patience and stated that efforts are ongoing to clear the waste, but did not specify a timeline.
- Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director of Climate at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, described the situation as a "creeping disaster" and warned of serious health and environmental risks.
- Accumulated waste is said to block water channels, increase the risk of floods, and provide breeding grounds for disease vectors such as rats and mosquitoes.
- Ogunlade urged authorities to prioritize prompt refuse disposal, provide emergency funding, and implement proactive policies to address the crisis.
