Residents of Apiti Street, by Hardel Junction in Orji, Imo State, have raised serious concerns over an overflowing refuse dump that has taken over a significant portion of the road, posing environmental and public health risks to the surrounding community.
The refuse site, located along a strategic residential route and opposite the street leading to the residence of late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has grown steadily over time. What was once a passable road has now been effectively divided into two by heaps of unmanaged waste, forcing road users to navigate around piles of refuse on a daily basis.
“This is no longer just an environmental issue, it is a public health concern,” said a resident who passes through the area daily. “Children, elderly people, and workers breathe this polluted air every day. The danger is real.”
Observations from the site reveal a mixture of domestic waste, plastics, and organic materials left exposed in the open. The refuse dump has also narrowed the road significantly, creating traffic challenges and increasing the risk of road accidents, particularly during peak hours.
Community members say the situation has made the environment increasingly unsafe and unconducive for living and working. Residents complain of foul odours, air pollution, and the constant fear of disease outbreaks, especially during the rainy season when waste is often washed into nearby areas.
Environmental experts have long warned that unmanaged waste sites in residential areas can contribute to the spread of communicable diseases, contaminate air and water sources, and degrade overall quality of life. The situation at Apiti Street reflects broader concerns about waste management practices in parts of Imo State, where refuse dumps are increasingly found in unsuitable and densely populated locations.
Responsibility for waste management in Imo State lies with the Eastern Waste Management Company (EWAMAC). The agency has publicly stated its commitment to eco‑friendly practices, efficient waste services, and the promotion of a cleaner environment across the state.
However, residents are now calling on EWAMAC to translate these commitments into visible action by urgently clearing the Apiti Street refuse site and addressing similar situations in other parts of the state.
“This location is too important, and the population density too high, for this level of neglect,” another community member noted. “Waste must be properly managed, not allowed to overrun public infrastructure.”
The growing refuse dump has also raised questions about waste collection schedules, monitoring, and enforcement of environmental regulations within urban and semi‑urban communities in Imo State. Advocates argue that consistent waste evacuation, proper siting of dumps, and community engagement are essential to preventing a repeat of the current situation.
Residents stress that their demands are not unreasonable. They are simply calling for a clean, safe, and healthy environment, one that reflects basic standards of urban management and respect for human dignity.
As pressure mounts, community members hope that relevant authorities will act swiftly to clear the refuse, restore the road, and implement sustainable waste management solutions to prevent future occurrences.
For now, Apiti Street remains a visible reminder of the urgent need for improved environmental governance in Imo State.
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