By Abdullahi Lukman
Kubwa Phase 4 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is grappling with an escalating environmental crisis fueled by rampant plastic waste disposal, insufficient drainage infrastructure, and poorly maintained drainage systems, causing serious concerns about residents’ health, safety, and property.
Speaking with NatureNews, residents described alarming scenes of plastic sachets, food wrappers, and household trash dumped indiscriminately along roadsides and into open drains.
Although the Naval Disposal usually comes regularly to collect dirt and some scavengers salvage recyclable materials, some residents still choose to dump refuse carelessly, worsening the situation.
Residents also pointed out that the area suffers from a lack of adequate drainage channels to handle rainwater effectively.
This shortage, combined with blocked drains, causes frequent flooding and stagnant water, intensifying the environmental and health hazards.
“These drainage channels, originally designed to carry rainwater and prevent flooding, are insufficient and often clogged with debris, leading to stagnant water that emits foul odors and becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Mrs. Esther Uche, a mother of three who has lived in Kubwa Phase 4 for over ten years.
“Whenever it rains, the blocked and inadequate drains cause water to flow back into our houses, damaging homes and endangering our health.”
The stagnant water increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as malaria and cholera, posing a significant public health threat.
Additionally, flooding disrupts movement, damages roads, and threatens local infrastructure, especially during heavy rains.
Related Posts
Residents say the situation has deteriorated over the past year, with limited intervention from local government and municipal authorities.
“Despite several complaints, the problem persists,” Mrs. Uche added.
In response,residents have organized community cleanups to clear blocked drains and remove plastic waste.
Ahmed Bello, a volunteer, told NatureNews, “We clean the drains regularly, but within days, they fill up again because some residents still dump refuse indiscriminately.
We need the government to provide more waste bins and maintain the drainage systems consistently.”
Environmental experts consulted by NatureNews highlight that Kubwa’s drainage and waste challenges mirror a wider urban issue in Nigeria, recommending a combination of government-led infrastructure repairs, public environmental education, and enforcement of sanitation laws.
Environmental studies graduate Daudu Mamman said, “Proper waste management services and community awareness are essential.
The government must invest in modern drainage infrastructure and ensure consistent waste collection to break this cycle.
The shortage of drainage channels is making flooding worse and must be addressed urgently.”
For now, Kubwa Phase 4 residents continue to live under the dual threat of plastic pollution, insufficient drainage, and recurrent flooding, urging swift government action to restore sanitation and safeguard public health in their community.
Without sustained efforts, the ongoing cycle of waste accumulation and blocked drainage is expected to worsen, further endangering lives and property.
