Residents of Karu, a satellite community on the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital, are living in a nightmare due to the choking stench of decomposing waste. The area, home to low-income earners, has become a dumping ground for refuse, with heaps of waste spilling onto roads and narrow streets.
The situation is taking a toll on residents’ health, with many suffering from malaria, respiratory infections, and skin-related illnesses. Children are particularly vulnerable, with cases of cough, itching, and injuries from broken glass and sharp objects.
The waste crisis is also affecting businesses, with traders and artisans struggling to cope with the smell and flies. Residents blame irregular waste collection and lack of proper disposal infrastructure for the problem.
The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) says the refuse dumps are outside its jurisdiction, pointing to a broader coordination problem in managing waste across Abuja’s suburbs.
Residents are demanding improved waste collection systems, stricter enforcement against illegal dumping, and designated disposal sites. The FCT Minister has threatened to deal with contractors failing to evacuate refuse, and launched telephone lines for residents to report offenders.