By Ginika Nweke

Residents of satellite communities along the Ado and Kurudu axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised urgent concerns over a deteriorating waste management situation, warning that the region faces an imminent environmental and public health crisis.

In a formal appeal addressed to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, citizens from affected areas—namely Gwagwalada, Karu, Kuje, and Bwari—highlighted the escalating consequences of uncollected refuse, describing it as a “looming disaster.”

A letter dated May 31, 2025, and signed by community representative Alhaji Babayo Braimah, paints a grim picture of sanitation services nearing collapse. According to the letter, mounting heaps of waste now obstruct roads, clog drainage channels, and spill into residential neighborhoods.

“The satellite towns are submerged under mountains of uncollected refuse. What were once designated collection points have transformed into massive, overflowing landfills, encroaching on our homes and streets,” the letter states.

Residents attribute the worsening situation to the withdrawal of waste management contractors, reportedly due to nearly 10 months of unpaid service fees.

“Having fulfilled their contractual obligations, the contractors have demobilized their teams and vacated sites, citing prolonged non-payment. This financial lapse has left our communities in a catastrophic state,” the letter adds.

The health implications, the residents warn, are severe. Decomposing waste has attracted rodents and insects, raising fears of potential outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and malaria. The situation is especially dangerous for children who play near these unsanitary zones, while the pervasive stench and release of toxic gases are making daily life unbearable.

With the onset of the rainy season, blocked drainage systems now pose a significant flooding risk, further threatening to contaminate water supplies with hazardous runoff. Additionally, residents report a surge in respiratory illnesses due to the widespread burning of refuse as a last resort.

Economic activity has not been spared. Local businesses are struggling as customers avoid the filthy environment, and property values in the area are plummeting. “Our once-vibrant communities are now defined by squalor and growing despair,” the residents lamented.

In their appeal, the residents called on the FCT Minister to take urgent action. Their demands include: immediate payment of outstanding debts to waste management contractors, the initiation of emergency cleanup operations, development of a long-term and sustainable waste management strategy, and active engagement with community leaders to find collaborative, lasting solutions.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the residents expressed confidence in Minister Wike’s leadership and decisive track record. “We are hopeful that the Honourable Minister will act swiftly and decisively to prevent a full-scale disaster,” the letter concludes.