Indigenes and residents of Obeagu, Awkunanaw in Enugu South Local Council of Enugu State are excited as the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) has commenced the removal of a mountain of waste from the dumpsite in the area.
South East Trust reports that the hilltop, age-long waste, was said to have been abandoned and perhaps forgotten as it enveloped a massive part of the community road connecting the Obeagu town to other areas of Awkunanaw.
It was gathered that the evacuation of the refuse could be as a result of a trending video of the waste dump by certain persons, who warned of its health hazards.
A civil society group, Washrights Network, said it was attracted by the trending video clip, thereupon it visited the area, and quickly called the attention of the concerned authorities in the Enugu State government.
“The waste continued increasing day by day even after being removed. It was actually blocking the water channel, thereby causing serious flooding whenever there was heavy rainfall in the place,” a native and public servant, Mr. G. Nwobodo, told South East Trust.
It was gathered that the Washright Network assembled its members and natives of the community and others in their numbers to collectively remove the waste on several occasions, though without success.
It was learnt that the group contacted the member representing the area at the State House of Assembly, Chief Sam Ngene, who, incidentally is the House Committee Chairman on Health.
The efforts and others led to the evacuation of the waste.
The Chairman of the Amagu/Okpuno Obeagu Community, Mr. Raph Ogbe, lamented the challenges the community faced before the evacuation.
“If it was then, you could not slow down here for a moment. The foul smell was something else.
“Our water was constantly polluted and we were constantly under the threat of water pollution. We thank everyone who helped us, from the governor to the civil society,” he said.
Coordinator of Washrights Network, Mrs. Amaka Nweke, said she was satisfied, seeing the quick reaction from the government.
“When we saw this and investigated it, we raised the alarm as we feared there could be an outbreak of cholera. We appreciate the government’s response. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will always stand out for his promptness in matters concerning the masses,” Nweke said.
The councillor representing the ward, Mrs. Ijeoma Nnaji, said she was delighted that residents were free from the possible outbreak of diseases.
