The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Chapter has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesome Wike and relevant government agencies to take immediate and decisive action to address the growing waste management crisis in Abuja.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that Abuja, once celebrated for its cleanliness and order, is increasingly becoming overwhelmed by waste accumulation, turning what was once a model city into one full of refuse and environmental degradation.
A statement on Thursday, jointly signed by Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen chairman and Lukman Laleye Babalola, Public Relations Officer observed that this deterioration of waste management in the FCT poses significant risk to both public health, the overall well-being of residents and the city’s aesthetics.
“The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and all relevant authorities must prioritize this critical issue without delay.
“MURIC calls for urgent intervention in addressing the current state of waste management in Abuja”.
The organization emphasized the need for a reliable and frequent waste collection schedule, particularly in high-density areas such as the Central Area, Wuse, Garki, Maitama, Asokoro, and the five Area Councils.
“There is also a pressing need to enhance waste disposal infrastructure by providing adequate waste disposal trucks, ensuring their proper maintenance, and implementing night-time collection/disposal to avoid odour oozing pollution during conveyance cum traffic congestion during day time movements and increase efficiency and also need to provide motorised street sweeping machines for various locations in FCT”.
In addition, the group highlighted the importance of conducting public awareness campaigns to educate residents about proper waste disposal practices. “These initiatives will empower citizens to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean, fostering a stronger culture of cleanliness throughout the city”.
Meanwhile, MURIC stressed the importance of collaboration between government bodies, the private sector and residents to ensure the development and implementation of sustainable waste management solutions. “We call for greater accountability from relevant authorities to ensure that effective solutions are not only proposed but also implemented and monitored regularly”.
“We strongly believe that resolving the waste management crisis is essential for restoring Abuja to its former status as a clean, healthy, and thriving capital. We urge the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and all concerned agencies to act swiftly and decisively in addressing this pressing issue for the benefit of all Abuja residents.
“We call on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, to take urgent and comprehensive steps to tackle this growing challenge. Abuja must regain its status as a clean, healthy, and thriving capital” the statement concluded.
