Heap of refuse endangers residents’ lives in Tafa

A growing heap of refuse is threatening the lives of a community in the Gauraka Township of the Tafa Local Government of Niger State. Residents told Aso Chronicle that the ‘deadly heap’ of refuse located behind the Gauraka Primary Health Centre and police station is responsible for the many ailments faced by the people in […]

A growing heap of refuse is threatening the lives of a community in the Gauraka Township of the Tafa Local Government of Niger State.
Residents told Aso Chronicle that the ‘deadly heap’ of refuse located behind the Gauraka Primary Health Centre and police station is responsible for the many ailments faced by the people in the community.
 Mr Waidi Olayiola told our reporter that he is one of the victims of the refuse as it has not only affected the health of the people but that the fire from the refuse is burning into his house and the houses of the neighbourhood.
He feared that the fire, if government does not act swiftly to rescue the situation may eventually burn down resident’s houses.
The matter, he said, has been reported to the Tafa Local Government but nothing has been done.
A youth leader, Mallam Danlami Muhammad Tella, also said dead dogs and rotten animals were often found on the refuse, creating a foul smell.
One of the residents in the community Mallam Habu Shehu called on the ministries of environment and health to intervene swiftly and help evacuate the mountain of refuse in the community.
Speaking to newsmen, Director of the Young Doctors Academy Mr. Abubakar Jibrin called on the ministers of health and environment to intervene swiftly, while urging the government to evolve a waste disposal policy that is practicable in the country.
He said the residents are already suffering from a contaminated environment owing to the improper refuse disposal.
He called on the government to employ community health workers to address the issue of garbage in the country, adding that garbage can also be used for agricultural purposes.
Efforts to speak to the Tafa Local Government authorities failed.