By Taofeeq Imam, Confidence News Nigeria

In the harsh midday sun, as it beat down on the seat of the caliphate, life in Gidan Dare, a quiet residential neighborhood in Wammako Local Government Area of Sokoto State, continued with its usual hum. But for Musa Aliyu, a long day of work had left him exhausted, and he retreated to his restroom for a much-needed nap. Little did he know that the growing problem of improper waste disposal at the back of his residence would soon disrupt his peace and comfort, and possibly threaten his health and safety.

Musa’s story is one among many in Sokoto, where improper waste management practices are becoming increasingly common. This growing issue is not only an environmental concern but a public health risk that is beginning to strain the city’s living conditions.

The Challenges of Waste Disposal in Gidan Dare

Before moving to Gidan Dare, Musa, who had spent most of his life in Sokoto city, had always been accustomed to a cleaner, more organized environment. But in recent months, he began noticing the growing pile of waste in the alley behind his home. Garbage bags discarded plastic bottles, and food waste accumulated with no sign of disposal, and it seemed that the local authorities were overwhelmed by the situation. 

“It wasn’t always this bad,” Musa recalls, seated on a wooden chair in his modest home. “When I first moved here a year ago, the area was cleaner. But over time, the garbage started piling up. At first, it was just a few bags left behind, but now, it’s becoming unbearable. I find it difficult to open my window or even go out to the backyard because of the stench. It’s not just unpleasant — it’s dangerous.”

Musa is not alone in his concerns. Residents across Sokoto, especially in suburban areas like Gidan Dare, are witnessing an escalating problem of poor waste management, which has led to health risks and a decline in the quality of life for many. 

More resident bewail experience 

Abubakar Hassan, a local farmer and father of three, has lived in Sokoto all his life. As a resident of Gidan Dare for over 10 years, he says that waste disposal has never been a prominent issue until recently. With the growing population and a lack of infrastructure to manage waste properly, the situation has now reached a crisis point.

“I’ve been working in the fields for many years, and I can’t recall a time when the environment around us was this polluted,” Abubakar says, wiping the sweat from his brow under the midday sun. “Garbage is piling up everywhere. It’s not just in the alleys, but it’s also in the open spaces where we farm. And the flies, rats, and other pests have become a major problem. I’m worried about my children because these things spread diseases.”

The dangers of improper waste disposal are significant. Open waste piles, decaying organic matter, and improperly discarded household waste attract rodents and insects, which can spread diseases such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid. In a city like Sokoto, which already faces challenges related to limited health infrastructure, this issue poses a growing threat to public health.

The state government has taken some steps to address the issue, but the pace of progress remains slow. Without regular waste collection services and public awareness campaigns, many residents feel left behind in efforts to improve sanitation.

The View from a Local Entrepreneur — Tukur Malami 

Tukur Malami, a local entrepreneur who operates a small shop in Gidan Dare, echoes similar concerns. He points out that the improper disposal of waste has started to affect his business, making it harder to attract customers. “I run a grocery store near the market,” Tukur says. “In the past, people came here often because the area was relatively clean and safe. But now, potential customers stay away because the surrounding environment has become unsightly and unhealthy. The smell, the flies, the rats — it’s not the kind of place people want to visit.”

His frustration is shared by many other business owners in the area. Poor waste disposal is not just a personal inconvenience but an economic one as well. Uncollected garbage has a direct impact on local businesses, tourism, and the overall appeal of Sokoto as a city.

 Environmental Expert’s Comment: Amos Adewale

 Amos Adewale, an environmental expert and the founder of environmental advocacy, According to Amos, improper waste disposal has become one of the most pressing environmental issues in the city. He explains that waste management in Sokoto faces multiple challenges, including a lack of public awareness, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate waste collection services.

“One of the major issues we face is the lack of an integrated waste management system,” Amos says, adjusting his glasses as he speaks. “While there are efforts being made by local authorities, they are not enough to meet the demands of a growing population. More importantly, there is no formal system for waste separation at the source. People are not sorting their waste into recyclables and non-recyclables, and this contributes to the overflow of garbage in public spaces.”

Adewale further explains that, while the government has started implementing some waste management reforms, much more needs to be done in terms of awareness, community engagement, and infrastructure development. He emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility, noting that residents, government officials, and businesses must all take part in addressing the issue.

“Education is key,” Adewale asserts. “People need to be informed about the long-term effects of improper waste disposal. We need a public campaign on the importance of waste segregation, recycling, and the dangers of open dumping. In addition to that, the government must invest in waste collection vehicles and establish more designated collection points throughout the city.”

The Sokoto State Government has been taking steps to improve waste management. Recently, the government rolled out a series of waste collection trucks and appointed waste management officials to monitor public cleanliness. However, the initiative has faced criticism for its slow implementation and inadequate coverage, particularly in areas like Gidan Dare.

Meanwhile, residents like Musa Aliyu and Abubakar Hassan have begun taking matters into their own hands. Several community groups have sprung up in response to the growing waste problem. In some areas, residents organize themselves into teams to clean up the waste, but their efforts are often short-lived without the necessary support from local authorities.

“I’ve seen people come together to clean up the streets,” Abubakar adds. “But this should not be their job. It’s the responsibility of the government to provide the necessary infrastructure to manage waste properly.”