Residents of Owerri have raised concerns over a potential outbreak of Lassa fever and other diseases as refuse continues to accumulate across the city, posing serious environmental and health hazards.
Recent rainfall has worsened the situation, soaking decomposing waste and intensifying foul odors. Several roads, including Douglas Road, World Bank Roundabout, Orji, Jehovah Jireh along Egbu Road, Umuguma Hospital Road, Amakohia, and Irete, are experiencing traffic disruptions due to abandoned refuse piles.
The Eastern Waste Management Company, responsible for waste clearance in the state, appealed for public patience via social media but did not specify a timeline for full clean up. The agency assured that teams are working to remove waste and restore environmental cleanliness across Owerri.
Residents expressed frustration over the growing piles of refuse. Promise Chigozirim described the agency as “the worst in waste management,” while Chimezie Ebosim said, “The whole of Owerri is littered with waste and stinks.”
Experts have also warned of the dangers posed by uncollected waste. Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director of Climate at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, called the situation a “creeping disaster.” He explained that blocked water channels can cause floods, decomposing waste attracts disease-carrying pests, and stagnant water fosters malaria and other illnesses.
Ogunlade further noted that toxic gases released from rotting waste, such as ane and hydrogen sulphide, can cause respiratory illnesses and contribute to climate ce. He highlighted additional impacts, including declining property values, reduced economic activity, and increased healthcare costs.
He urged authorities to prioritize prompt waste disposal, allocate emergency funding, and implement proactive policies with community oversight to prevent further health and environmental crises in Owerri.
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