Mounting heaps of uncollected refuse and persistent foul odours from waste dump sites are triggering growing health concerns and economic disruption in parts of Yenagoa, as residents and business owners call for urgent intervention to address the worsening sanitation crisis.
Residents and business operators along the Azikoro Road axis have lamented the worsening sanitation situation, describing conditions around overflowing refuse collection points as unbearable due to persistent foul smells.
READ ALSO:
- NDC Extends Deadline for Expression of Interest Forms
- INC’s New Battlefront: Revisiting the Long Quest for Ijaw Political Identity
The situation has reportedly affected daily activities in the area, with commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders, and passengers often seen covering their noses while passing through affected locations. Some businesses located close to the dump sites are also said to be considering relocation as the unpleasant odour continues to drive away customers.
Beyond the discomfort caused by the stench, residents have expressed fears over the environmental impact of the growing waste piles. Refuse spilling into drainage channels has clogged gutters in several locations, raising concerns about possible flooding and the spread of diseases.
Findings suggest that the worsening refuse disposal challenge may be linked to operational difficulties within the Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BESA), the agency established by Governor Douye Diri to oversee modern waste management and recycling in the state.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that a private waste evacuation company contracted to handle refuse collection is currently involved in a disagreement with the Authority over issues relating to payment and operational responsibilities.
According to a senior official of the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the disagreement has disrupted evacuation activities and negatively affected efforts aimed at maintaining a cleaner environment in the state.
Residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed concern that the deteriorating sanitation conditions now pose serious health and economic risks.
One of the residents, Mr. Ebiowei Akimi, described the odour from the dump sites as unbearable, particularly during evening hours.
“The smell from the dumps is unbearable, especially in the evenings. We cough and sneeze constantly. This has become a serious health hazard,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs. Patience Ogbomo, lamented what she described as a decline in sanitation standards across the capital city.
“We used to have better sanitation before. Now refuse is everywhere and nobody seems to care. Our children are the ones suffering most,” she stated.
Business owners are also counting losses as the sanitation crisis persists. A shop owner near one of the affected locations, Mr. Tari Preye, said the environmental condition has significantly reduced patronage.
“Many of us are leaving because customers complain about the odour. Sales have dropped drastically. If urgent action is not taken, this area could become deserted,” he said.
As concerns mount, residents are calling on relevant authorities to urgently address the refuse evacuation challenges and restore proper waste management to prevent a potential environmental and public health crisis in Yenagoa.
