By BLESSING IBEGBU

Residents in Nyanya/Jikwoyi District of the Federal Capital Territory have raised concern over a growing refuse dump along the major road, saying its foul odour is affecting health and businesses.

The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, said the situation had become unbearable for those living close to the dump site and surrounding areas.

According to them, the persistent odour has caused daily distress, negatively affecting their quality of life, sleep patterns, and overall health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

They added that the heap of refuse continued to expand, gradually encroaching on the road and making movement difficult for residents, commuters, and business operators within the busy district.

A resident, Regina Okache, said the dump site, located close to her home, had made living conditions uncomfortable for families residing in the area over time.

Okache said the foul smell was not just a nuisance but had contributed to health issues such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and stress among residents exposed to the environment daily.

She said, “The bad smell from the refuse spreads into nearby houses, especially during hot weather.

“The odour affects breathing and makes it difficult for families to stay outside for long.

“The situation is becoming worse by the day, we are appealing to the relevant authorities to come to our aid for the sake of our well-being.”

Another resident, James Nwosu, said that the expansion of the dump site had started affecting movement, as pedestrians and motorists struggled to pass freely without being disturbed by the waste.

Similarly, Rejoice Ejiofor, a trader, described the situation as embarrassing and unhealthy, adding that passers-by often covered their noses due to the offensive smell from the refuse.

She said, “The dump site is now affecting vehicles using the road, drivers are sometimes forced to slow down or change direction slightly to avoid the waste, which can lead to accidents.”

Also speaking, Mr Franklin Omah, a trader, said the growing dump site had become a serious concern for business owners, as customers increasingly avoided the area due to the unpleasant environment.

According to him, low patronage has affected sales, while flies from the dump frequently enter nearby homes and shops, exposing residents and traders to potential health risks.

A student, Regina Peter, expressed concern over the environmental impact, noting that the continuous accumulation of waste made the area look untidy and poorly managed to visitors.

She said rainfall worsened the situation, as contaminated water flowed from the dump into nearby areas and sometimes onto the road, increasing the risk of accidents and exposure.

Dr Alex Philips, a medical practitioner, said the dump site was not only an environmental nuisance but also possessed serious health hazards to residents living within the neighbourhood.

The residents appealed to relevant authorities to urgently clear the dump and improve waste management systems to protect public health and ensured free and safe movement within the area. (NAN)