Residents of Kubwa, a neighborhood in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, are frustrated with the constant dumping of trash by local cart-pushing waste collectors, commonly called “Baban bola.”
They are calling on government authorities to step in and improve waste collection in their community.
One of the most affected areas is along Arab Road and the nearby bridge, where the collectors repeatedly dump waste close to homes, schools, and businesses. Residents describe the situation as unbearable, particularly during the rainy season when the trash piles become breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and rodents.
Speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Ifeanyi, who lives on Arab Road, expressed his frustration: “There used to be garbage trucks that came by twice a week, but now we barely see them. Instead, we have these ‘bola’ guys collecting trash in the mornings. At first, I thought they were sent by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), but seeing them dump waste right by the road, it’s clear they’re not.”
Another resident, Umar Faruk, shared how local efforts to keep the area clean have been in vain. “Some time ago, people living close by tried to clear the area. It worked for a while, but the waste collectors started dumping trash here again soon after,” he said.
A third resident, Adejoh Ameh, voiced concern over the health risks this poses to the community. “We’re learning to live with it, which is sad. When it rains, this area turns into a breeding ground for pests. Schools, markets, and homes are all around here, and it’s a serious health hazard. We’re pleading with the Bwari Area Council and the AEPB to come to our aid,” he urged.
Some waste collectors, however, denied responsibility for the illegal dumping. One collector, Danjuma, explained, “We only leave paper and cartons here. The rest of the trash is not from us.”
Attempts to reach AEPB officials for comment have been unsuccessful, as calls and messages to Director General Osilama Braimah and Coordinator Abdulkadir Zulkiflu went unanswered.
