Osere Stream Channel Turning Into Refuse Site, Open Defecation In Ikirun

 

Yusuf Oketola

IT is unbelievable that a water that is supposed to be a natural benefit for people of a particular community for a general purpose is being polluted by the same residents through an act of indiscipline.

In spite of efforts by government at all level to provide clean water for the people and curtail all kind of ailments that can be contacted through water, especially cholera which evolve as a result of water contamination, many people still find it difficult to take heed to proper hygiene.

One of the stream begging for government’s urgent attention is the Osere stream located in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government, state of Osun.

The stream channel has been heavily turned into a refuse site and a place for open defecation by residents of the community.

The water channel that cut through Ikirun township is as a complete refuse clog and putrid stagnant water, constituting a clear looming danger should there be downpour as we are about to enter raining season.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that traders at Oja-Oba market in Ikirun have contributed more to the dumping of refuse into the water channel which has led to blockage. 

The state of the water channel also depicts the inability of state government of Osun in carrying out orientation on proper refuse dumping and open defecation for the people in various community. No wonder the state was ranked the third dirtiest state in Nigeria.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, a resident of the community who do not want his name in print, said human indiscipline has made the flourishing stream a refuse dump site.

The source opined that people living at the embankment of the water channel have made the stream their preferred place, not only for refuse dump, but for open defecation.

He noted that few houses along that corridor have functioning toilet facilities of their own which led them to resort to age-long practice of improper sanitation.

“This is what human indiscipline has made of Osere water channel in Ikirun. There is unceasing efforts of turning the once flourishing stream to refuse dump site.

 “Our people that lives in the embankment of the water channel have made the stream their preferred place, not only for refuse dump, but for open defecation.

“That is a fact known to the authority. Only very few houses along that corridor have functioning toilet facilities of their own. Occupants of other houses resort to age long practice of open defecation and refuse dumping in the stream channel.