By Gama Hassan Oscas
The Juba City Council’s failure to address the issue of improper waste disposal in residential areas is a matter of great concern. The prevalent practice of pouring dirty water, mixed with urine, onto the streets and public roads not only poses significant health risks to road users but also reflects a disregard for public hygiene. This opinion piece aims to shed light on the inexcusable neglect by the city council and emphasizes the urgent need for action to rectify this hazardous situation.
Lack of Awareness and Accountability:
As one navigates through Juba City’s residential areas, it becomes evident that the streets are consistently wet with dirty bath water. The fact that residents continue to engage in this unhygienic practice without fully understanding the potential dangers is deeply troubling. Equally disheartening is the silence and inaction of both the city council and the quarter councils, which claim to maintain hygiene within the city. This neglect not only compromises public health but also undermines the credibility of these governing bodies.
Public Health Risks:
The consequences of these unaddressed practices extend far beyond mere inconvenience. The indiscriminate pouring of dirty water and waste onto public roads exposes road users to a range of infectious diseases. Pathogens present in the mixture of dirty water and urine can contaminate the environment and increase the likelihood of waterborne illnesses such as cholera and other gastrointestinal infections. The health risks associated with these unhygienic practices should not be underestimated.
Neglected Revenue and Enforcement Opportunities:
The city council’s failure to address this issue is not only a dereliction of duty but also represents a missed opportunity to improve sanitation while generating revenue. By penalizing households that allow their bath water to flow into the streets or direct pipes to discharge onto public roads, the city council could enforce compliance and improve hygiene standards. Heavy penalties for engaging in such practices could act as a deterrent and provide the council with funds to invest in sanitation infrastructure and services.
Insufficient Inspection and Enforcement:
The responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment lies squarely with the city council and its quarter councils. However, their lack of proactive measures to address this issue is glaring. The absence of health inspectors in every block council, tasked with identifying and penalizing those engaged in unhygienic waste disposal practices, is a glaring oversight. The council’s focus on tarmac roads while neglecting residential streets perpetuates the unhygienic conditions that continue to pose risks to public health.
Urgent Measures for Improvement:
To rectify this alarming situation, the Juba City Council must take immediate action. Firstly, a comprehensive inspection system should be implemented, involving health inspectors assigned to every block council. These inspectors should be empowered to identify and penalize households involved in improper waste disposal practices. Simultaneously, an extensive public awareness campaign is needed to educate residents about the health hazards and legal implications of these practices.
Conclusion:
The Juba City Council’s neglect of the unhygienic waste disposal practices in residential areas is a matter of serious concern. It is imperative that the council recognizes the urgency of the situation and takes swift and decisive action. By enforcing penalties, implementing robust inspection systems, and raising public awareness, the city council can address this public health crisis effectively. It is high time for the city council to fulfill its duty to protect the health and well-being of Juba’s residents by ensuring proper waste management and sanitation practices in all areas of the city.
The author of this article is an Advocate and can be reached on
Email: oscarsgama@gmail.com