Osogbo Residents Alert Govt On Looming Epidemic Over Illegal Dump Sites

By Sodiq Yusuf

Residents of Oleyo, Orita-Elelede, Jameegbo,
Akilapa among others in Osogbo, have
called the attention of the state government to some unauthorised refuse dumpsites in the areas, saying that they could trigger epidemic anytime soon.

The residents, in separate interviews with OSUN DEFENDER reporter who visited the locations yesterday, lamented the bad shape of the sites, which has continued to pose serious threats to their health for a long time.

According to them, government has been unable to come to their aid, while communities have resorted to self-help.

OSUN DEFENDER observed that the dump sites, which had overstretched their original locations, constitute threat to the healthy living of residents in the area.

It was noted that despite the horrifying smell of waste, some people still inhabit and raise their families especially in buildings close to the dumpsites without recourse to the dangers inherent therein.

At the Oleyo dumpsite, a community leader, Mr. Fatai Adeoye said the community had been making efforts to ensure that the debris in the place is being cleared every Saturday to avoid epidemic outbreak.

Adeoye told OSUN DEFENDER that although, the community had not consulted government on the matter, it had put in place mechanisms for clearing and proper segmentation of the drainage for free flow of water.

He said: “This place has been like this for a long time. It was formerly a stream which linked a waterway. But since the people had started dumping refuse there, it grew to become a heavy dumpsite. Government officials from Olorunda Local Government had been here before to look at the situation with promises of clearing the place.

“At the community level, I lead women here every Saturday for proper cleaning and sanitation of the area. In fact, we have begun the construction of the drainage leading to the dumpsite. So, we would not spare any effort to make sure that this place is clean.

“However, we are helpless. We want government to intervene. We understand the health hazard that a heavy dumpsite like this without proper maintenance would cause to the environment and that is why we need government’s help.”

Similarly, a resident around the Akilapa dumpsite, Oja-Oba, Osogbo, Joke Aderanti, lamented the offensive oduor of the dumpsite and its inherent environmental pollution, which is injurious to the health of the people.

Aderanti called on relevant authorities to sanction the people dumping refuse at the place and assist in clearing the debris.

She said: “The odour from the debris is even worrisome. There is no time that people do not complain. After several warnings, they have desisted from dumping refuse in broad daylight and have resorted to the wee hours of the day. We want government to help us.”