Residents of Dutse Baupma in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have raised concerns over the growing heaps of roadside waste in the community, warning that the situation could pose a serious public health risk.
Located along the busy Dutse–Bwari highway, the community has become littered with refuse dumps, with residents blaming the problem on the lack of a functional waste management system and designated disposal sites.
Mr Ibrahim Haruna, a vulcanizer in the area, said indiscriminate dumping had persisted for years because residents had limited options for proper waste disposal. “Every day, people come here in their vehicles to dump refuse from their homes. It should not be so because this is a major road in the heart of the town. People only dump waste here because they have no alternative,” he said.
Haruna acknowledged that officials from the area council occasionally evacuate the waste but said the approach was not a lasting solution. He urged the government to establish a properly designated dumpsite away from residential and commercial areas in line with environmental standards.
“Officials come occasionally to evacuate the waste, but this location is too close to where people live and work. Proper dumpsites should be located far from residential and commercial areas,” he said.
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Another resident, Mr Abraham Shekwolo, described the situation as a growing health concern, warning that continued exposure to accumulated waste could increase the risk of disease outbreaks. He called on relevant authorities to provide adequate waste management infrastructure to protect residents and improve sanitation in the community.
The community leader, Mr John Kuyambana, recalled that a previous waste collection initiative, where households were provided with plastic waste bags and collections were made when they were full, helped to reduce indiscriminate dumping before it was discontinued. He appealed to the government to revive the programme, noting that it would encourage proper waste disposal and improve the cleanliness of the community.
Kuyambana also called for the construction of access roads and a pedestrian bridge at Tiber Junction, citing frequent accidents caused by heavy traffic and challenges faced by pedestrians trying to cross the road.
“We appeal to the government to construct a pedestrian bridge at Tiber Junction. On average, we record no fewer than three accidents there every week because vehicles often lose their brakes and run into pedestrians trying to cross the road.
“A pedestrian bridge will greatly reduce these accidents and save lives. We also appeal for access roads in the community to ease movement and support residents’ economic activities,” he said.
Residents urged the authorities to take urgent action on both waste management and road infrastructure to prevent further risks to lives and livelihoods in Dutse Baupma.
NAN
