By Ibrahima Yakubu
A young geographer and a team of environmental journalists have raised concerns over the environmental and health risks posed by one of Kaduna State’s oldest waste dump sites, located in the Tudun-Ilu area of Tudun Wada, Kaduna metropolis.
Derick Ayelo Samson, a Geography student at Kaduna State University, alongside the Head of Communication and Strategies of African Climate Reporters, Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, visited the site to assess the extent of environmental degradation and air pollution caused by the continued accumulation and burning of waste.
The dump site is situated within a densely populated community, with thousands of residents living in the surrounding areas. Residents of Tudun-Ilu have repeatedly called on relevant authorities to relocate or properly manage the site, expressing concern over the smoke and unpleasant conditions affecting their daily lives.
The field visit was aimed at examining the environmental and health implications of the dump site, particularly the persistent smoke generated from burning waste and its possible impact on residents, especially women and children.
The team observed that the continued dumping and burning of waste at the site could contribute to air pollution and other environmental problems. They therefore called for greater public awareness on proper waste management and urged relevant authorities to take urgent steps to address the situation.
Speaking during a meeting with the team, the District Head of Unguwan Tudun-Ilu, Husaini Yakubu, appealed to the relevant authorities to put an end to the continued dumping of waste at the site.
He said residents had been living with the consequences of the dump for many years, including persistent smoke and what he described as respiratory-related health challenges within the community.
According to him, the site has increasingly become a dumping ground for animal waste and refuse generated from Kaduna Central Market, resulting in smoke that affects the surrounding community, particularly from morning until evening.
The district head suggested that the authorities consider replacing the dump site with temporary shops or other useful community facilities as a way of ending the environmental challenges associated with the location.
He also appealed to humanitarian organisations, civil society groups and health experts to collaborate with the government and community leaders in finding a lasting solution to waste management in the area.
The visiting team stressed that evacuating and properly managing the dump site, alongside promoting responsible waste disposal, would help reduce air pollution, protect the environment and improve the health and well-being of residents.
They further called for stronger collaboration between environmental experts, journalists, community leaders, civil society organisations and government agencies to ensure that waste management becomes a priority across Kaduna metropolis.
In conclusion, the relevant authorities should urgently evacuate the dump site, stop open burning of waste, provide a suitable alternative waste disposal facility, and strengthen waste collection, recycling and public awareness to reduce air pollution and protect the health of residents.
