ABUJA CO-EXISTING WITH WASTE 

Abuja the FCT is known for its beauty and neatness in its central areas but a little drive out of its central areas paints a different picture of poor sanitation, negligence and lack of awareness.

In recent times the streets of Abuja have been plagued with open defecation, poor refuse disposals, broke sewages all leading to pollution in one way or the other.

The streets and corners of the FCT have now become dump sites that seat comfortably for days and weeks with zero to no attention given to it. Some on drainage systems that leads to flooding's once the raining season begins, leading to grid locks, shut down of businesses in that area and spreading diseases.

Open defecation and urination on major roads, street corners, under bridges, behind buildings leading to air pollution has now become a norm as no attention is given to curtailing and putting a stop to these acts. Broken sewages are allowed to flow into roads for days causing air pollution and huge discomfort to residents.

On different occasions residents come together to burn dump sites which leads to air pollution for a day or two, furthermore the residents of some communities take it upon themselves to clean out drainages but with no proper means of disposal, the cleared drainages end up with the same waste cleaned out from it. Residents have complained to the necessary bodies in charge and on several occasions, promises have been made but changes have not been implemented.  

Why this  is urgent

The WHO has predicted an outbreak of diseases due to the poor sanitary conditions Nigerians in different states and societies live in. If the waste management authority of the FCT does not do the needful, there will be an outbreak of Cholera, there will be constant release of poisonous gases into the atmosphere, there will be outbreak of diseases too much at a time to handle.  

The FCT Administration, The  Incoming Senator of the FCT and  Abuja waste management board should join hands with local heads and business heads and residents of Abuja ,to implement change and convert refuse to resources, reduce pollution and ensure a healthy Abuja.