By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Akure is facing worsening flooding as poor waste management continues to clog drainage channels across the city.
Blocked drains repeatedly overflow after rainfall, with refuse cleared during sanitation exercises often returning to waterways before collection trucks arrive.
The Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA), which oversees waste disposal alongside private operators, has struggled with uneven service delivery. While high-income areas enjoy regular collection, many low-income communities experience irregular evacuation due to limited trucks and manpower.
As a result, residents in areas such as Ijoka and Orita Obele report persistent flooding even after moderate rainfall, as blocked drainage systems can no longer channel storm water effectively.
Environmental experts say non-biodegradable waste—particularly sachet water nylons and plastic bags—remains a major contributor to the crisis, as it persists in the environment for years and clogs drainage systems.
Public health concerns are also rising.
Stagnant water from blocked drains increases mosquito breeding and the risk of malaria, while open burning of waste exposes residents to toxic fumes linked to respiratory illnesses.
Despite government enforcement of the “polluter pays” principle and warnings against indiscriminate dumping, compliance remains low due to affordability concerns and doubts over service efficiency.
Community clean-up efforts have emerged in some areas, but stakeholders say they are not enough to replace a functional and consistent waste management system.
Analysts warn that without improved infrastructure, stronger enforcement, and reliable evacuation services, Akure’s flooding and sanitation challenges are likely to persist.