Heaps of refuse have taken over streets in Kaduna metropolis following
an indefinite strike by refuse collectors, due to the failure of the
state government to pay them for six months.
strike, which began about a week ago, has left major streets, markets
and residential areas with mountains of refuse, some covering roads and
drains.
Residents of the city have expressed worry on the health and
environmental danger associated with the stinking heaps of refuse on the
streets.
At Kawo, Chechenia, and Sabo markets, traders and customers
complained of the ``filthy situation'', urging the government to address
the issue promptly.
A resident, Ibrahim Shuaibu, said it was ``very disturbing that the
government ignored to pay the refuse collectors for too long, thereby,
putting public health in great danger.
``The filthy environment is capable of leading to a major outbreak of diseases, which may affect a lot of people.
``The state government should adopt remedial measures to evacuate
the refuse as it resolves whatever differences it has with the refuse
collectors.''
Another resident, Isaia Shock, said the situation was ``awful'',
adding that it was compounded by the fact that there were no designated
refuse dumps in most places.
``People just dump their waste anywhere, it is not healthy'', he lamented.
The State Director of Environment, Mr Salihu Ahmed, declined comment,
saying only the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ya'u Idris, would
speak on the matter.
The commissioner, was however, said to be attending a meeting of the State Executive Council.
A competent source at the ministry of environment, said negotiation was on between government and the refuse collectors.
``There has been no agreement yet, but we are talking,’’ the source said.
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