Residents decry poor waste management in Gwarimpa
Residents of Gwarimpa, Abuja, have lamented that waste evacuation in the area was poorly done, leaving heaps of refuse overflowing the waste bins and littered the street at 2nd Gate of Hillside Estate popularly called Works and Housing. The refuse dump which was initially a public drop off bin has metamorphosed into a dump site […]
A dumpsite at 2nd Gate, Hillside Estate, Gwarimpa. Photo: Rasheedah Musa
Residents of Gwarimpa, Abuja, have lamented that waste evacuation in the area was poorly done, leaving heaps of refuse overflowing the waste bins and littered the street at 2nd Gate of Hillside Estate popularly called Works and Housing.
The refuse dump which was initially a public drop off bin has metamorphosed into a dump site that poses a threat to the habitat and people who run businesses in the area.
When Aso Chronicle spoke with Isiaq Onabekun, a block industry owner close to the refuse heap, he described the situation as an eyesore, especially as Gwarimpa is regarded as a highbrow area.
He added the decomposing waste was a threat to public health as it could become a breeding place for diseases.
He also said the waste covered part of the road thereby causing heavy traffic jam that sometimes leads to accidents.
Onabekun said residents have made several complaints to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) yet nothing has been done to evacuate the waste.
“We can never stop people from throwing refuse on the bare ground. Whenever we try, it always resulted into physical fights. Although the AEPB do come to evacuate the waste, it’s still uncontrollable and a real threat to our health,” he added.
Our reporter learnt that residents from nearby Gwarimpa Village often defecate openly there.
Another resident, who owns a mechanic workshop close to the place lamented that the odour from the place normally disturbs him and his customers.
However, he stated that since they are ordinary citizens, no one cares about their well-being, hence no one is making an effort to fight for the evacuation of the dump site.
He added that they will be very happy and grateful if the dump site is relocated from the place.
The Estate Manager, who gave his name as Justin described the situation as a health hazard to his people.
He said that they have made several appeals to the AEPB, but nothing has been done.
He said his people were complaining bitterly but he has no authority to provide anything aside continuous pleas to the environmental board to relocate the dump site.