Residents of Apete community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State have taken a bold step against the increasingly poor state of sanitation in the community, resulting in unbearable stench and filth.
Poor waste management by residents has plagued the community and residents are paying for it. Nigerian Tribune learnt that the community is constantly battling flooding as dumpsters are always filled, the drainages blocked and an unhealthy stench fills the air.
John Oni, a 46-year-old resident of Oniyanrin Street, Apete, Ibadan, who has lived in Apete for over 10 years is no stranger to the community and the perennial issue of poor waste management and sanitation.
Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune, Oni said: “The waste management system is not working. We are tired of seeing garbage all over the place. Something must be done.
“For years, the community has been plagued by poor waste management practices, leading to overflowing dumpsters, blocked drainages and a stench that permeates the air.”
Residents are also concerned about the health risks associated with poor sanitation, including the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid. The impact on the environment and the community’s image is another source of worry for residents.
Oni further said that residents of the community are growing increasingly frustrated with the state of sanitation in their neighbourhood.
In addition to the sanitation issues, Apete has also struggled with inadequate waste management. The community lacks a proper waste disposal system and residents often resort to dumping their trash in the streets or in open fields.
Mr Femi Ojo, a shopowner in the community, added that the problem has become so severe and affecting business.
As a solution, residents are asking for improved waste collection and disposal services, including daily pickups in high-density areas, public trash cans and recycling facilities, particularly in commercial areas, street cleaning and maintenance, including sidewalk sweeping and clearing of drainages.
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