Residents and traders at Oyingbo Market in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have raised concerns over a massive heap of refuse that has taken a section of the road.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, they complained that the heap of refuse was obstructing traffic, disrupting commercial activities and posing serious public health risks.

The residents and traders said that the refuse continued to increase despite repeated assurances by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the local council and the ministry of the environment to evacuate it.

It was observed that the heap of decomposing waste occupied a substantial portion of the road, leaving only a narrow path for vehicles and pedestrians.

The refuse made up of decaying food items, plastics, nylon, cartons and other household waste, emitted strong offensive odour, as flies and rodents surround the site.

A food vendor, Kemi Adebayo, described the condition as unbearable.

Ms Adebayo said that the situation had discouraged customers from patronising them, resulting in declining sales and financial losses.

“The smell is terrible. Flies settle on our food in spite of our efforts to keep the place clean. Customers now avoid this area because of the stench,” she said.

The trader said that the place had become a source of hardship for commuters, motorists and business owners.

Another trader, Ahmed Salami, who sells fruits and vegetables, said that the refuse had become a daily challenge.

“We pay levies and taxes, yet we have to trade beside a mountain of refuse. Many customers no longer stop here because they cannot endure the smell,” Mr Salami said.

A commercial bus driver, Kunle Ajayi, said that the refuse heap had worsened traffic congestion in the area.

“The road has become too narrow because of the waste. Vehicles now spend longer hours in traffic, especially during peak periods,” Mr Ajayi said.

Some residents also expressed fears over the health implications of the refuse dump.

A resident, Funke Bello, who lives close to the area, said that residents were worried about the increasing presence of flies, mosquitoes and rodents.

“We are concerned about diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea and malaria. Children and elderly people are the most vulnerable,” Ms Bello said.

Another resident, Sunday Eze, urged the relevant authorities to immediately evacuate the refuse before the situation deteriorate further.

An environmental health expert, Tosin Ajasa, warn that accumulated refuse could contaminate the environment, pollute drainage channels, encourage flooding during heavy rainfall and provide breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects and rodents.

Ms Ajasa also said that prolonged exposure to decomposing waste could contribute to respiratory irritation, foul odours and increased risk of infectious diseases, if not properly managed.

Residents appealed to the Lagos State Government, LAWMA, the Yaba LCDA and the ministry of the environment and water resources to urgently clear the refuse and intensify waste evacuation mechanism in the area.

They also called for stricter enforcement against indiscriminate dumping of waste and increased public awareness on proper waste disposal to prevent a recurrence.

(NAN)