Ilorin residents decry poor waste management, call for action

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Residents of Olorunsogo in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised concerns over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the delayed evacuation of roro bins along Western Reservoir Road.

The residents described the situation as a health hazard, warning that the growing piles of uncollected waste pose a serious risk of disease outbreak in the community.

When Western Post visited the area on Wednesday, heaps of refuse were seen overflowing from the bins and spilling onto the main road, with the stench spreading across the neighborhood.

A female stall owner near the site said she had resorted to clearing some of the refuse herself to reduce the foul odour. “They used to evacuate the bins every two days, but now they leave them for days. When I asked the truck driver, he said their vehicle had broken down,” she explained.

She called on the authorities to relocate the bin, describing it as an eyesore and a public nuisance. She also appealed for more waste bins and regular evacuation to meet the needs of the area’s growing population.

Another resident, Dayo Adeolu, criticized the poor waste management practices, especially given the area’s central location. “This is the heart of the city. We shouldn’t be living like this,” he said.

Similarly, a large pile of refuse was seen at the Surulere/Agbo-Oba junction, surrounded by business outlets. Residents fear that the unsanitary conditions could lead to a health crisis if not urgently addressed.

Attempts to get a reaction from the state’s Commissioner for Environment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.