Residents and workers in the Ojota area of Lagos State are deeply worried about the deteriorating conditions surrounding the Olusosun waste dumpsite, fearing an outbreak of cholera and urgently calling for government intervention.
Despite assurances from successive Lagos State administrations since 2018 to relocate the Olusosun waste dump, the area continues to pose significant health and environmental risks.
The pervasive stench from the dumpsite spreads beyond Ojota, affecting neighboring areas such as Ikeja Secretariat, Iyana Oworo, Ogudu, and beyond, causing distress among local communities.
During a recent visit to the dumpsite, PUNCH Metro spoke with residents and workers who expressed mounting concerns about the possibility of a cholera outbreak affecting their community. They pleaded with the government to take action to alleviate the unbearable situation.
Denis, a worker in the area, lamented, “The environment here is terrible. Whenever I come to work, I can’t even eat because of the foul smell. Sometimes, I feel sick just from being here. It’s really uncomfortable. Sometimes, I get so sick that I can’t even come to work. We really need the government to do something about it.”
Suliaman Bakare, a resident of the 7Up area, described the dire conditions, especially during the rainy season, when the odor intensifies. “This environment is very unpleasant. The smell is unbearable, especially when it rains. We always have to wear nose masks. Our food gets contaminated by flies and mosquitoes. With the threat of cholera, this place is no longer safe for anyone. We’re begging the government to do something.”
A community leader, speaking anonymously, provided historical context, stating, “This place used to be a police training college before it became a landfill. In 2018, the former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, closed it down due to the inhospitable conditions, but the current government reopened it. The foul odor reaches as far as Ikeja Secretariat, depending on the wind direction. With the threat of cholera, this place is truly hazardous.”
“We have food and drink companies and eateries around here, yet our government hasn’t taken action,” the leader added.
Some residents live directly on the dumpsite, but many declined to speak with our correspondent, claiming they are satisfied with their living conditions. They insist they run businesses, raise families, and lead normal lives despite the surroundings, and deny any cholera cases in their community.
Since the cholera outbreak in Nigeria, health experts have warned about the severe risks of prolonged exposure to such unsanitary conditions. Cholera, often spread through contaminated water, remains a significant concern. Medical professionals emphasize the urgent need for improved sanitation and waste management to prevent outbreaks.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as of June 24, 2024, there have been 1,528 suspected cholera cases, with 65 confirmed cases and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a 3.5% case fatality rate since the beginning of the year.
The states most affected include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.
In response to residents’ concerns, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) stated that it has implemented several measures. Sade Kadiri, Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, assured, “As of now, there have been no reports of cholera at Olusosun or any other designated disposal facility in the state. However, recognizing the potential risks, LAWMA has launched extensive awareness programs for our staff and waste collectors.”
The situation at Olusosun remains critical, with residents and workers anxiously awaiting substantive action from the government to alleviate the health hazards posed by the waste dumpsite.
