By George George Idowu
Various residents across the Federal Capital Territory are grappling with soaring waste collection fees imposed by local waste collectors, commonly known as “baban bolas,” prompting them to seek alternative disposal methods.
Several residents expressed their frustrations in an interview with NatureNews recently, citing economic hardships that have compelled them to adopt more creative waste management strategies, despite potential health risks.
Catherine Gowon, a resident at Lugbe, shared that she now resorts to burning her waste instead of paying exorbitant fees ranging from N400 to N500 to the “baban bolas”, up from the usual N150 to N200.
She acknowledged the negative effect of burning her waste. However, that is the only alternative she has.
“Baban bolas’ services have become prohibitively expensive. I’ve opted to burn my waste, although I recognize the environmental and health implications. I feel compelled due to the high costs,” she lamented.
Hannatu Isiaka, from Old Kutunku in Gwagwalade admitted to disposing of her waste herself, often resorting to indiscriminate dumping due to the lack of affordable waste collection services.
“Sometimes I dump my waste wherever I find space or in the gutter when it rains. It’s not ideal for the environment, but I have no better option,” she explained.
Isiaka called on the government to establish designated waste collection points to ensure proper disposal.
Simon Ezekiel, who lives in Kuje, highlighted the absence of formal waste collection services in his area, which je noted, has fueled the reliance on “baban bolas” and subsequent price hikes.
“The lack of official waste collectors has driven up costs. What used to cost N150 to N250 now ranges from N400 to N500,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, a local waste collector, Adamu Usman justified the fee increases, attributing them to rising food prices and overall economic challenges.
“As costs escalate, I’ve had to adjust my rates to sustain my livelihood. Some customers have resorted to self-disposal or burning their waste due to these increased fees,” he stated.