By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Disturbing mountains of refuse have taken over a portion of the busy Kuto Market Road in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, creating serious environmental and health concerns for traders, commuters and residents who use the area daily.
The road leading to the popular Kuto Market has gradually turned into an unofficial dumping ground, with heaps of decomposing waste lining sections of the roadside and spilling into drainage channels
The lone bin positioned by a side of the road for collecting waste has witnessed days of overflow, spilling into the road and narrowing it further to the hurt of smooth traffic run as the state waste management agency tarries to evacuate the contents.
The Daily Crucible reporter passed by the road on Thursday afternoon, also on Friday morning and observed that beside the disgusting spectacle, the refuse, made up of food remnants, plastic bags, cartons and other household waste, emits a strong and offensive odour that hangs heavily in the air.
Traders operating around the market say the situation has worsened in recent days, especially during peak market days when commercial activities increase. According to them, the absence of regular waste evacuation has encouraged indiscriminate dumping by residents, passers – by and shop owners in the area.
A vegetable seller, who identified herself simply as Iyabo, lamented that the refuse dump has become a daily challenge for traders and customers alike.
“We come here every morning to sell our goods, but the smell from the refuse is terrible. Sometimes customers complain before they even buy anything. It is not healthy for anyone,” she said.
Motorists and commercial transport operators plying the road also expressed frustration, noting that the waste heaps are gradually encroaching onto the roadway and contributing to traffic congestion along the busy corridor..
Pedestrians navigating the road are often forced to walk dangerously close to moving vehicles as sections of the walkway are blocked by waste.
Environmental observers warn that the situation could pose serious public health risks if urgent action is not taken. Stagnant water trapped within the refuse piles has created breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes, raising fears of diseases such as Malaria and Cholera.
Residents have called on the Ogun State Waste Management Authority to urgently evacuate the waste and intensify sanitation enforcement in the area.
They also urged the Abeokuta South Local Government to provide more waste bins and ensure regular collection to prevent further deterioration of the environment..
Concerned citizens say that unless swift measures are taken, the refuse situation around Kuto Market Road could worsen, undermining public health and the commercial activities that the area is known for.
Many traders stressed that maintaining cleanliness around the market is crucial, as the area serves thousands of residents and visitors who rely on it daily for food supplies and other essential goods.
However, an inquiry revealed that the Ogun State Waste Management Agency(OGWAMA) was making plans to move one of its heavy waste disposal trucks to the market ostensibly to begin clearing of the waste as public concerns heightened.
