Looming health crisis at Sheshagu - Decade-old refuse dump unattended to

There is a looming health crisis at Sheshagu, a suburb in the Sagnarigu Municipality in the Northern Region, as a huge refuse dump has been left unattended for about 10 years now.

Mounted right at the centre of the community, the dump has scattered refuse into residents' homes, polluting their environment and contaminating clean water sources. The stench is unbearable, as flies hover around the dump, and there are fears that there could be an outbreak of cholera if nothing is done about the situation.

Open defecation by some residents, particularly children, is rife at the rubbish dump, thus exacerbating the insanitary conditions. Beside the dumpsite is also a public toilet facility which is in a deplorable state, exposing the inhabitants to several health hazards.

Concerns

According to the residents, the stench from the waste threatens their health as they are forced to frequent the hospital for medical care. A concerned resident, Sanatu Musah, highlighted the dangers posed by the dumpsite, saying: "We cannot leave our rooms open due to the rubbish and foul odour invading our homes."

She expressed fear of diseases like cholera and typhoid due to potential water and food contamination. She pointed out that the deplorable toilet facility and the refuse dump had made life uncomfortable for residents in the area.

Sharing her distress, another resident, Asana Azure, who owns a provision store, said the stench and rubbish have driven away customers, leading to the collapse of her business.

Appeal

The Assemblyman for the Sheshagu Electoral Area, Rufai Shamsu-deen, said he had made several reports to the assembly but nothing had been done about the situation. "Providing us a container to adopt the pay-as-you-dump policy will go a long way to reduce the effects that the refuse has on residents," he said.

However, he made a passionate appeal to the assembly and relevant authorities to, as a matter of urgency, evacuate the refuse to prevent any looming health crisis.  When contacted, the Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, Mohammed Yakubu Ahmed, acknowledged the issue and said efforts were being made to evacuate the refuse.

Writer's email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh