Kampala, eight people have lost their lives after a landslide struck the Kiteezi landfill, the city’s primary garbage dump. The landslide, which occurred late on Friday following heavy rainfall, resulted in sections of the landfill collapsing and burying several nearby houses. This disaster highlights the ongoing environmental and public safety concerns surrounding the Kiteezi landfill, which has served as the city’s only garbage disposal site for decades.
The Incident
The landslide, described as sudden and devastating, occurred as torrential rains pounded the area, overwhelming the already unstable sections of the landfill. According to local media reports, the collapse buried parts of adjacent houses, trapping residents under the massive mound of waste. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) confirmed the incident on Saturday, reporting that rescue operations were immediately launched by government and Red Cross personnel.
“As of now, eight people have been found dead, including six adults and two children,” the KCCA announced on its X (formerly Twitter) account. “The rescue operation is still ongoing, with the hope of finding more survivors.” By Saturday, 14 people had been rescued from the debris, some with serious injuries.
Environmental and Public Safety Concerns
The Kiteezi landfill has long been a point of contention for residents living nearby. Originally established to manage the city’s waste, the site has since grown into a massive hill of garbage, reaching hazardous proportions. Over the years, residents have raised alarms about the health risks posed by the landfill, citing pollution, foul odors, and the ever-present threat of a collapse. Despite these concerns, little has been done to mitigate the dangers, and Friday’s tragedy underscores the urgent need for action.
Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of preventive measures and the government’s failure to address their concerns. “We have been living in fear, knowing that something like this could happen,” one resident told local media. “Now, our fears have come true, and lives have been lost.”
The landfill’s instability has been exacerbated by recent heavy rains that have lashed parts of Uganda, causing widespread flooding and landslides. While Kampala has experienced frequent rain-related incidents, the Kiteezi landslide is the most fatal in recent weeks.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Footage from NTV Uganda television showed rescuers and locals navigating the treacherous conditions on the collapsed section of the landfill, which had engulfed parts of a house. Images from UBC Uganda depicted an excavator digging through the waste in a desperate bid to find survivors. The rescue efforts are being hampered by the size and instability of the landfill, with rescuers working cautiously to avoid triggering further collapses.
The Ugandan Red Cross and local authorities have appealed for assistance, calling for more equipment and manpower to aid in the ongoing rescue and recovery operations. The death toll is feared to rise as the search continues.
A Call for Action
The tragedy at Kiteezi landfill has prompted renewed calls for the Ugandan government to address the hazardous conditions at the site and to implement better waste management practices across the country. Environmental experts have warned that without immediate intervention, similar incidents could occur in the future, putting more lives at risk.
In the wake of this disaster, Kampala’s residents are left grappling with the loss of life and the knowledge that this catastrophe was preventable. The Kiteezi landslide serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate waste management and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to protect both people and the environment.
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