Kisii town, Keumbu Market traders are sounding the alarm over the alarming piles of garbage accumulating in their locality. As heavy rains continue to pound the region, these waste heaps not only worsen pollution but also pose significant risks to both residents and road users. The traders, along with concerned local residents, are demanding urgent intervention to address the deteriorating state of the town and prevent further environmental and safety hazards.
Growing Piles of Garbage: A Major Concern The problem of waste management in Kisii town has reached a critical point, with the Keumbu Market area becoming a hotspot for unsightly and hazardous piles of garbage. Traders at the market have expressed frustration at the increasing amount of refuse clogging the streets, particularly along the Kisii-Keroka road. The garbage, mixed with the recent heavy rains, has created a breeding ground for diseases, attracting flies, rats, and other pests, further exacerbating the public health crisis. Local resident Jane Moraa lamented, “This is not just an eyesore; it’s a health emergency. The waste is everywhere, and it’s affecting our daily lives.”
Environmental and Health Implications The growing heaps of garbage in Kisii town are not only a threat to the environment but also to public health. As waste accumulates, it becomes a breeding ground for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, and rodents, which can spread diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera. The lack of proper waste disposal systems in the area has also led to overflowing drains and blocked gutters, causing flooding during the rainy season. This situation has been exacerbated by illegal dumping, with some residents resorting to disposing of their garbage on the streets instead of designated sites. The traders and local residents believe that these practices are contributing to the worsening pollution and environmental degradation in the town.
Safety Concerns: A Risk to Road Users The waste piles along the roadside in Kisii town are not just an eyesore they are a danger to road users. The accumulation of garbage is narrowing the Kisii-Keroka road, making it hazardous for vehicles and pedestrians alike. “The road is getting narrower, and drivers have to be extra cautious when passing through this section,” said trader Elijah Omondi. “We’ve seen several near-misses, and it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.” The traders have called on the county government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to clear the garbage and prevent further accidents. The situation is particularly precarious for those who sell their goods along the road, as the waste threatens their livelihood and safety.
Call for Support and Urgent Intervention Local traders and residents are calling for comprehensive waste management solutions to address the problem. They have urged the Kisii County government to implement effective waste collection and disposal systems to prevent the situation from escalating further. “We need more bins, more frequent waste collection schedules, and better coordination between the county government and private garbage collection companies,” said Susan Wanjiru, a trader at Keumbu Market. “This is not just our problem it’s a problem for everyone in the community, and we need everyone’s support to solve it.” The traders have also requested that the county government enforce regulations against illegal dumping and introduce penalties for those who continue to dispose of waste improperly.
Conclusion: The heaps of waste in Kisii town are not just a local issue; they are a pressing environmental and safety concern that demands immediate attention. As the county grapples with the challenges of waste management, it is crucial for authorities to step in and implement sustainable solutions. The traders at Keumbu Market have called for action to avoid further deterioration of the town’s condition and to protect the health and safety of all residents. Without urgent intervention, the garbage problem in Kisii town could become a catastrophe, affecting not only the environment but also the well-being of the community. The time to act is now before it’s too late.