By Richmond B. Tholley and Abdul M. Jalloh
A disturbing scene is unfolding in Makeni City, where a pile of garbage has been left unattended for months, adjacent to the Ministry of Social Welfare’s Office and the Missirie Street Junction. What started as a small, neglected waste dump has evolved into a full-blown health hazard, with citizens expressing outrage over the Makeni City Council’s inaction.
The putrid waste, which has been lying there since October, poses a significant threat to the lives of children, women, and the general public. Passersby have expressed shock and dismay, questioning whether the Social Welfare and Gender and Children’s Affairs offices are being deliberately neglected by the Council. The ugly sight of the packed waste is a suffocation and a big threat to the lives of children, women, and the general public.
Our reporter can reliably confirm that garbage is left packed not only by the Social Welfare Ministry and Missirie Street Junction but also other places within the city.
Residents are up in arms, demanding an explanation from the Council for their inaction. “With all the resources the council collects from traders and other sources, plus donor partners’ support, how could they leave dirt uncollected, especially in important places like this? The Social Welfare Office, Amzas Hotel, Wusum Field and Missirie Street residents deserve to get an open apology from the council for this neglectful action,” said Hawa Sankoh, a resident of Missirie Street, expressing her frustration.
Musa Sheriff, an Okada rider who begged to remain anonymous, echoed these sentiments, calling the Council’s action a failure of their social contract to provide basic necessities for citizens. “It’s been months now, and nothing has been done. It’s like they don’t care about our health and well-being,” he said.
The Council’s Information, Education, and Communication Officer, Edward Kpukumu, promised that the waste would be cleared on Wednesday, 19th November, but as of publication, the garbage remains, continuing to cause discomfort and health problems for residents.
The situation highlights the need for the Makeni City Council to take immediate action and address the systemic issues leading to such neglect, lest it become a breeding ground for diseases and further suffering for the citizens.
The worrying situation emerged due to the neglectful action of Makeni City Council, which has left the garbage packed by the fence of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs office in Makeni City.
The packed waste has been lying there for a long period of time, with citizens urging the Council to gather and dispose of it as expected.
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