The residents of Mushin, a neighborhood in Lagos State, have voiced their alarm regarding the troubling transformation of the Idi Araba canal into an unauthorized dumping site. This situation has raised fears among the locals about the potential health risks and disease outbreaks associated with such conditions.
Upon a visit to the area on Saturday, our correspondent witnessed the canal brimming with waste, painting a disheartening picture of the environmental degradation.
Alhaji Idris Lawal, who introduced himself as the Seriki Hausawa of the Idi Araba community, conveyed to our correspondent that the unsanitary surroundings were a breeding ground for ailments like malaria fever and other diseases that afflicted the community’s residents.
Lawal expressed, “The predominant health concern affecting the inhabitants here is malaria fever. We have a canal that has become the repository for all the refuse generated from Mushin and Oshodi.”
He further stated, “The community is diligent in paying for regular waste disposal. We earnestly implore the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to collaborate with us in arranging waste removal services at least thrice a week.”
A resident living in close proximity to the canal, who identified himself as Obinna, lamented the unbearable stench emanating from the canal. He remarked, “The canal was never intended to serve as an approved dumping ground by LAWMA. The people nearby are enduring the discomfort caused by the overpowering odor, but our hands are tied in this matter. It’s my hope that proactive measures can be taken concerning this canal.”
Sharing similar concerns, Abubakar Shehu, another resident, reflected, “I’ve been a resident of Mushin for over four decades. Regrettably, it’s the inhabitants, as well as those in the vicinity, who are responsible for the waste accumulation.”
Shehu continued, “We make efforts to dissuade individuals from disposing waste there, but the majority of children in the vicinity are grappling with malaria and cholera.”
A local business owner, Musa Tijani, directed blame towards the market women for the prevailing situation. He asserted, “Around 70% of the market women within the community bear the responsibility for the waste predicament. Even the local butchers contribute by disposing of animal remnants into the canal.”
Tijani recommended, “A protective barrier should be established around the canal, perhaps through the use of wire fencing. Additionally, local security measures could be implemented to safeguard the canal and deter people from continuing this waste dumping practice.”
Upon reaching out for comment, Folashade Kadiri, the Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, assured that a comprehensive review of the canal’s situation would be conducted.
Efforts to elicit a response from Adekunle Adesina, the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, proved unsuccessful. Calls to his phone went unanswered, and messages remained unaddressed at the time of compiling this report on Sunday.
