Kakata City, Margibi- A bustling hub of activities in Margibi County is now facing a serious environmental crisis.
The streets are littered with garbage, and the air is filled with the stench of decaying waste.
This filthiness has profoundly affected the daily lives of residents, including street sellers, motorcyclists, drivers, passers-by, and pedestrians.
Street sellers, who rely on clean surroundings to attract customers, are seeing their livelihoods threatened. “The filth drives people away,” says Mary Johnson, a local fruit vendor. “Customers don’t want to buy food in such dirty conditions. It’s hurting our business.”
Motorcyclists and drivers also feel the brunt of the city’s uncleanliness. Potholes filled with trash make navigating the streets hazardous. “It’s not just about the bad roads anymore,” complains John Doe, a commercial motorcyclist. “It’s about avoiding heaps of garbage that can damage our bikes and cars.”
Pedestrians and passers-by are equally affected. The sidewalks, meant for safe passage, are often blocked by piles of refuse, forcing people to walk on the road, risking accidents. “Walking through Kakata has become a health hazard,” notes Rita Margas, a local teacher. “You have to hold your breath and watch every step to avoid stepping on trash.”
The health implications of Kakata’s filthiness are dire. Stagnant water in clogged drains and piles of waste provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
The presence of decaying organic matter attracts rats and other pests, leading to a rise in diseases like leptospirosis and gastrointestinal infections.
“The unsanitary conditions are a ticking time bomb for public health,” warns Dr. James Carter, a local health practitioner. “We are seeing an increase in respiratory issues, especially among children, due to the foul air.
Skin infections are also becoming more common as people come into contact with contaminated surfaces.”
Health practitioners in Kakata are sounding the alarm. They stress that immediate action is necessary to prevent a full-blown health crisis. “The city needs a comprehensive waste management system,” advises Dr. Cassel, a public health expert.
“Proper disposal and regular collection of waste are crucial. Public awareness campaigns about the importance of hygiene and sanitation must also be intensified.”
Local clinics are reportedly overwhelmed with cases of preventable diseases linked to poor sanitation. “Our resources are stretched thin,” says Nurse Philip.
“We need support from the government and international organizations to address this issue. If nothing is done, the situation will only get worse.”
The residents of Kakata City are calling for urgent action. Community leaders are organizing clean-up campaigns, but they insist that these efforts need to be supported by sustained government intervention.
“We can’t do it alone,” asserts community activist, John Smith.
“We need proper infrastructure and consistent maintenance. It’s about the health and dignity of our people.”
The time for action is now before the filthiness that plagues the city turns into a full-scale public health disaster.
By: Jokai Yankoe/ Contributor
