By Faridat Salifu
As cholera cases surge across Nigeria, Sokoto State finds itself grappling with the dual challenges of rising infections and inadequate waste management.
According to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), as of August 11, 2024, there have been 5,951 suspected cholera cases nationwide, with 176 deaths.
This marks a staggering 108% increase in suspected cases compared to the previous year, underscoring a public health emergency exacerbated by poor sanitation practices.
In Sokoto metropolis, improper waste disposal is a significant contributor to this crisis. Many residents burn refuse instead of disposing of it properly, leading to environmental pollution and increased health risks.
The lack of designated waste disposal sites forces communities to resort to indiscriminate dumping, particularly evident in the Kofar Ɗunɗaye area, where an abandoned dump site has become a major hazard.
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This site, which has not been cleared in over six months, now spills onto the main road, posing serious dangers for commuters.
Small-scale business owners in the vicinity have expressed frustration, noting that the dump’s presence directly affects their health and livelihoods. They highlight the urgent need for government intervention to restore safety and hygiene in their environment.
The Sokoto State government has established the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to oversee waste management and environmental quality. However, the agency received only 13.2 million naira in the 2024 budget—an alarming figure given the size of the population and the scale of the waste crisis. This funding issue mirrors the previous year’s allocation, during which no funds were spent, further hampering effective waste management.
Indiscriminate waste disposal has far-reaching implications. The accumulation of refuse not only attracts pests but also contributes to the contamination of water sources, a known risk factor for cholera outbreaks. Residents have reported that during the dry season, some farmers attempt to remove refuse for use in their fields, but during the rainy season, they resort to burning waste due to a lack of governmental action.
Health experts warn that such practices can lead to outbreaks of cholera and other airborne diseases, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children who may scavenge through waste. The need for proper waste treatment before disposal is critical, as untreated refuse can harbor harmful microbes.
Residents are calling on the government to take immediate action to address the waste management crisis. They urge authorities to establish designated disposal sites and initiate regular waste collection services, emphasizing that a clean environment is essential for public health and community well-being.
The situation in Sokoto is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of waste management, public health, and environmental sustainability. Without prompt and effective intervention, the ongoing waste crisis will continue to threaten the health of Sokoto’s residents and impede progress toward achieving sustainable development goals.
