Residents of Rumuorumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed serious concern over the non-evacuation of refuse along Iwofe Road, particularly around the Big Tree Market area stretching from St. John’s Junction to Aka Road.
Speaking with our Reporter in Port Harcourt, residents lamented that the mounting heaps of decomposing waste have become a major health hazard, emitting foul odours and creating an environment ripe for the spread of airborne diseases.
A trader at Big Tree Market, Mrs. Titi Anthony, criticized the current waste management system, noting that under previous administrations, refuse was evacuated daily. “Now it takes over a week, sometimes more, before the garbage is cleared. We are suffering from the stench, and it’s completely unhygienic for those of us who do business here,” she said.
Health worker, Mr. Godspower Chinda warned that the situation poses serious health risks. “Decomposing waste attracts bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that cause airborne diseases. It’s also a breeding ground for pests, and generally makes the area unfit for both living and doing business,” he explained.
Mr. Chinda further pointed out the environmental consequences, stressing that when it rains, floodwaters often carry refuse into drainage systems, clogging them and leading to overflowing gutters. “This not only worsens flooding but causes waste to spill into adjoining streets and homes, rendering roads impassable,” he added.
The residents are calling on the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Board, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), as well as contractors responsible for refuse evacuation, to take immediate action. They also appealed to well-meaning individuals and stakeholders in the state to intervene and restore cleanliness to the area.
“We are pleading with the authorities to rescue us from this environmental and health disaster before it escalates beyond control,” one resident stated.
