The bustling Aboabo old lorry station in Kumasi is grappling with an escalating sanitation crisis as a major drain in the vicinity becomes inundated with waste, causing serious health concerns among residents and traders.
The prevalent issue of rubbish has led to unsightly conditions and a foul stench, affecting both traders and locals.
Despite efforts by traders to maintain cleanliness, the large gutter remains clogged with various forms of waste, including food packaging and decaying scraps.
Compounding the problem, individuals resort to urinating in the gutters, worsening the odour and posing health risks to residents and passersby alike.
Some traders expressed their frustration, stating,“The stench from urine is unbearable, but we have no choice but to endure it while conducting our business. Much of the waste comes from Alabar market, especially during rainy days.”
Others stressed the importance of proper waste management, asserting, “It’s not us the traders, the gutters are choked with waste from residents around, a gutter like this should not be open or exposed, it must be covered. Aside that it must be desilted frequently.”
Residents and traders are urging local authorities to take swift action to address the deteriorating situation. They emphasize the urgent need for intervention to restore cleanliness to the area.
“Look at how we are living and selling along with waste in this gutter, if sanitation task forces were working, would we be living around this?
The community’s call for action highlights the pressing nature of the problem, with both residents and traders demanding immediate measures to resolve the escalating filth crisis and ensure a healthier environment.
“We need to keep ourselves clean. There should be a barrier that will sieve the waste from the water and separate them.
“They should quickly make the market ready for us to trade there, this is not a healthy place to be.”