Residents of Iwofe Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have raised concerns over the growing heaps of refuse littering the area, calling on the state government to urgently intervene and restore sanitation along the axis.
The residents lamented that the non-evacuation of waste has left parts of the road blocked, accompanied by foul odour and an increasingly unhealthy environment. They warned that the situation poses serious health risks, including the spread of diseases caused by bacteria and viral infections.
Speaking separately, some residents, including Mr. Linus Ihunda, described the condition of the road as alarming, noting that the presence of refuse has made the environment unsafe and unattractive. He appealed to the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to compel relevant contractors to immediately clear the waste.
Another resident, Mr. Ben Nwabueze, alleged that the failure of the waste evacuation contractors to perform their duties may have political undertones, describing the situation as a “betrayal of trust” and a breach of responsibility. He called for a review of the arrangement, urging that if the contract has not been properly awarded, it should be given to more reliable operators to ensure efficiency.
Other residents also expressed concern that the prolonged neglect of waste disposal undermines public health and tarnishes the image of Rivers State, which has previously been regarded as one of the cleaner states in the country.
They collectively appealed for swift government action to clear the refuse and prevent further environmental and health hazards.
