Mountain of refuse threatens Tafa residents

A mountain of refuse is threatening the lives of a community in the Gauraka township of the Tafa Local Government of Niger State.
Residents told newsmen that the ‘deadly mountain’ of refuse located behind the Gauraka Primary Health Centre/police station is responsible for the many ill health issues faced by the people in the community.
 Mr Waidi Olayiola told reporters that he is one of the victims of the refuse as it has not only affected the health of the people but that the fire and smoke from the refuse find their way into his house and other houses in the neighborhood.
He expressed fear that the fire, if government does not act swiftly to rescue the situation, may eventually burn down residents homes.
The matter, he said, has been reported to Tafa Local Government but nothing was done.
A youth leader, Malam Danlami Muhammad Tella said dead dogs and rotten animals were often found on the refuse dump, creating a foul smell.
One of the residents in the community, Malam Habu Shehu, called on the ministries of Environment and Health to intervene swiftly and help evacuate the growing mountain of refuse in the community.
Speaking to newsmen, Director of the Young Doctors Academy, Mr. Abubakar Jibrin called on the ministers of health and environment to intervene, while urging government to evolve a waste disposal policy that is sustainable in the country.
He said the residents are already suffering from a contaminated environment owing to the improper garbage disposal.
He called on the government to employ community health workers to address the issue of garbage in the country, adding that garbage can also be used for agricultural purposes.
Effort to speak to the Tafa Local Government failed.