By Elvira Jordan
A Port Harcourt-based environmentalist, Smith Nwokocha, has raised alarm over the growing accumulation of waste across the city, warning that blocked drainages and poor waste disposal practices are worsening the risk of flooding.
In an interview with Exceed FM, Nwokocha said Port Harcourt, once widely regarded as the “Garden City” because of its trees and cleanliness, is now struggling with widespread accumulation of garbage, with piles and offensive odours becoming common in several parts of the city.
According to him, indiscriminate disposal of waste has also resulted in refuse finding its way into drainage channels, leaving many of the city’s drainages blocked.
He linked the situation to recurring flooding and called on the Rivers State Government and the state waste management agency to strengthen their waste collection and disposal strategies.
Nwokocha urged the authorities to identify strategic locations for waste disposal and provide adequate waste bins to discourage residents from dumping refuse indiscriminately.
He also called for stronger monitoring of waste disposal practices, saying the government should establish an effective system to regulate how residents dispose of their waste.
The environmentalist, however, said enforcement should be matched with practical solutions, arguing that residents cannot be expected to comply fully with waste disposal regulations when adequate disposal facilities are unavailable.
Nwokocha advocated a return to the neighbourhood waste collection system in which waste trucks moved through communities, sometimes using bells to alert residents to bring out their refuse for immediate collection.
He described the system as effective and urged the state waste management agency to adapt and expand its operations to meet the needs of Port Harcourt’s growing population.
He also called for the provision of more designated waste collection points and the acquisition of additional waste management trucks to improve the frequency and coverage of refuse collection.
Nwokocha further stressed the need for sustained public sensitisation, urging the state and local governments to educate residents on responsible waste disposal, proper bagging of refuse and the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
He said a coordinated approach involving government agencies, local authorities and residents would be necessary to address the city’s waste management challenges.
