Indiscriminate Waste Disposal Raises Risk of Floods, Disease Outbreaks in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) is raising the alarm and urging residents to understand the gravity and repercussions of indiscriminate waste disposal which have become a pressing concern in Kaduna State.

The Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, Mr Muhammed Mukaddas, emphasized the potential disaster and disease outbreak resulting from the thoughtless dumping of refuse in drainages.

During his inspection of refuse evacuation in Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area, Mr Mukaddas stressed the urgent need to prevent flooding and other catastrophic events.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had already issued flood predictions for certain regions of the country, making the situation even more critical. He expressed deep concern over the immense heapsof refuse in the area, warning that they could be washed into the
drains during rainfall, thus exacerbating the risk of flooding.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the swift removal of this mounting garbage to prevent flooding and the subsequent outbreak of preventable diseases,” stated Mr Mukaddas, highlighting the core mandate of KADSEMA to coordinate all stakeholders involved in emergency
management and disaster mitigation.

To address this issue effectively, the Executive Secretary called upon residents to cultivate a responsible attitude towards waste management and proper refuse disposal.

Additionally, he urged people to report any significant accumulation of refuse to the appropriate authorities for immediate evacuation.

Recognizing that mitigating such risks
requires a collective effort, Mr Mukaddas appealed to all stakeholdersto join hands in the ongoing disaster risk reduction initiatives, particularly in areas prone to flooding.

One of the shop owners at Sabo Market, Mrs Lami Umar, expressed her appreciation to KADSEMA and the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority for their timely intervention in evacuating the refuse.

She exclaimed, “Now we can finally breathe in fresh air!” Umar, however, offered a
suggestion to the authorities, proposing the relocation of the refuse collection station to a less populated area as a means to maintain a clean environment.

This story sheds light on the underlying implications of indiscriminate waste disposal. It serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of neglecting proper waste management can manifest in
disastrous floods and the outbreak of preventable diseases.

Urgent action is required from both authorities and residents to address this
pressing issue, through responsible waste disposal practices and collective efforts to reduce the risks associated with flooding in
vulnerable areas.