The old appellation for the city of Ibadan as the dirtiest city in Nigeria is once again coming to the fore, no thanks to the heaps of refuse taking over the highways of the metropolis. TUNDE BUSARI reports.



The vehicular traffic witnessed in the early hours of December 31, 2016 some metres away from the popular Oja’ ba market, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, was unimaginable at that hour of the day.

But when Nigerian Tribune was also trapped in the gridlock, got to the junction near the palace of the Olubadan, it was discovered that heaps of refuse dumped on the highway was a major contributory factor blocking the free movement of vehicles.

The scene, on further investigation, was the state of most of the major roads and public places in Ibadan metropolis. From Molete through Idi-Arere, Oja’ba, Beere to Aliwo down to Gate, refuse was a common sight either in the middle of the long dual carriage way or on the sidewalks.


Heap of refuse on road median on Oke Ado Road, Ibadan.
Coming from Dugbe through Oke-Bola, Oke-Ado and back to Molete, the story of stink is not different. On the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, particularly at the axis called Sanyo, heavy waste is also indiscriminately dumped at different spots on the roadside, just as the same was experienced at Dikat junction, Ring road, Challenge, Orita and other major roads.

This development has since provoked talks among groups of worried residents, most of whom expressed fear of likely outbreak of epidemic in the city if urgent steps are not taken by the ministry of environment statutorily saddled with the responsibility of a clean state.

According to most of the respondents, the major concern is premised on the fact that market places such as Oja’ba, Bodija, Sango and others are not spared of the waste, which emit heavy odour and constitute health hazard to the customers who patronise such markets.

Mrs Kudira, who sells ponmo at Oja’ba, however, played down the health concerns associated, stating defiantly that she had no problem with the filth near the spot where she sells, owing to the fact that she did not have another means of livelihood and alternative place to sell.

The 42-year-old also added that, so far as she does not contribute to the refuse on the road, she has nothing to be worried about.

“We just came to the market last week and met these things here on the road. We had expected the waste disposal workers to come but we don’t know why they have not come. We expect the government to have done something about it.


Oke Ado, Liberty junction, Ibadan.
“But when nothing is forthcoming, we have to live with it. After all, our customers know they need to wash whatever they buy very well before they eat them,” she told our correspondent in Yoruba language.

The indifference of the ponmo seller is a contrast to the embarrassment the filthy highways had caused one Mr Abiodun Alimi, a public servant.

Alimi particularly regretted his idea of inviting his friends from Lagos to spend Christmas holiday with him in his home town having been assured of the new face of Ibadan undertaken by the current administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The man, who claimed to have spent his entire 54 years in Ibadan, gave kudos to the governor whom he said had demonstrated his aversion for dirty environment and his determination to cleanse the city of filth on assumption of office in 2011.

He recalled that Governor Ajimobi’s blueprint contained a clear urban renewal scheme incorporating regular clearing of the streets of refuse in partnership with private waste disposal companies in Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Despite some remarkable success the project has so far recorded, the current state, according to Alimi, is a setback and indeed a failure of the project.

“It is a bad sight driving through the town and seeing these refuse everywhere. The town ought to have developed beyond its past status as the dirtiest city in Nigeria.

“Honestly, I was embarras....continue

http://tribuneonlineng.com/ibadan-refuse-everywhere/

Bad belle early morning na Ibadan Mata una carry for head

How erosion and spillage for your side?

PICs

I was almost positive for once on this thread but, after I sight one coned head soul of hate take a jab at his hateful lovers then, I changed my sword..

This is a report for positive change by a recognised outlet.. But these hateful creatures won't see it that way..

This issue is beyond Ibadan, it's a Nigerian issue and Ibadan is one of the victims..

Irrespective of the obviously mischievious motive of the Abia flattino OP, the state govt should act fast before the garbage spills to the mainroads and highways.

lol...keep Ibadan STAINED

Ibadan and Aba are two of a kind with refuse