Eastleigh traders grapple with garbage and sewage crisis on World Cleanup Day

As the world marks World Cleanup Day, residents of Eastleigh find little reason to celebrate, as they continue grappling with persistent waste and sewage problems, particularly traders along Jam Street.

During the rainy season, blocked sewers overflow, turning the streets into hazardous rivers of faecal matter, making navigation nearly impossible. During sunny days, the stench becomes overpowering, with stagnant green water attracting swarms of flies that hover menacingly overhead.

For the business owners along Jam Street, this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a daily battle that impacts both their livelihoods and quality of life.

They have witnessed numerous failed attempts to resolve the issue, leaving the area in a constant state of neglect, with each failed intervention only adding to their frustration.

Peter Gachagua, a businessman in Eastleigh, reflects on the challenges that began almost a decade ago when the road was repaired. Since then, it's been chaotic.

“When it rains, you can’t use this road, and now, in the heat, the stench is unbearable. We’ve even seen people fall into the sewer, and vehicles get stuck here—it’s simply unacceptable.”

Despite the county government’s efforts to clean the area, Peter notes that these attempts have yielded little progress. The stagnant sewage only worsens the problem, leaving the situation unchanged.

“We need a permanent solution. This has gone on for far too long, and it’s detrimental to our businesses,” he emphasised. “Sometimes, customers can’t even access this area.”

Dumped trash in gunny bags along First Avenue in Eastleigh. (Charity Kilei)

Jam Street, strategically located, attracts many shoppers from major malls like Bangkok, Garissa Lodge, and the local market. However, the stagnant water makes the area unwelcoming, many shoppers choose to avoid it, further affecting businesses and community life.

Agatha Wanjiru, a trader on Jam Street, narrates the frustration and despair felt by her community, as the ongoing sewer crisis severely disrupts their livelihoods. Despite numerous clean-up efforts and reassurances from local leaders, Agatha believes the solutions have been mere temporary fixes.

“We’ve had leaders come and promise us that things will change, but nothing has been resolved. It’s disheartening,” she says, her eyes reflecting the weariness of someone who has endured too many unfulfilled promises.

She pleads for immediate action, stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive intervention. “We have a breeding ground for diseases here. With conditions like this, we’re all at risk. We desperately need a lasting solution.”

“Every time it rains, the situation worsens. Customers avoid this area, and our businesses suffer as a result. We need action, not just words,” she adds.

Her sense of urgency resonates deeply with others in the area, who share her fears for their health and the future of their businesses.

“For us, this is not just an inconvenience; it’s a daily fight for survival,” said Agatha.

While the Green Army and the county government have made consistent but slow progress in their clean-up efforts, rubbish is once again encroaching on major roads like 1st Avenue. The accumulating debris and litter tarnish the once-pristine environment, creating an eyesore for both residents and visitors.

Some traders have even resorted to dumping rubbish on the streets, exacerbating the area’s ongoing woes.

Withered trees along General Waruinge Road. (Charity Kilei)

John Oduo, a boda boda operator along Delale in Eastleigh, points out that some traders are contributing to the litter problem instead of helping with the clean-up.

“The county is doing their part, but as businesspeople, we also need to be mindful and contribute to the clean-up efforts. If we keep littering, it will just create a cycle of mess and neglect,” he said.

Oduo notes that the trees planted to enhance the area are beginning to wither, and unfortunately, people have resumed littering. In some cases, individuals are even using these neglected spaces to sleep.

“The trees should be watered to ensure our efforts don't go to waste. This area has been cleaned, but we’re worried it might become dirty again if precautions aren’t taken,” he explains.

Last month, Eastleigh North Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ahmedkadar Dabar addressed the garbage problem in the area. He noted that a significant portion of the garbage in Eastleigh originates from businesses that fail to follow proper waste disposal procedures.

According to the MCA, many businesses hand over their waste to street families, who then dump it on the streets and roads.

“The majority of these businesses give their waste to street families, who then dump it on our streets and roads. This should not be happening,” Ahmedkadar stated.

He also highlighted that there are licensed community-based organisations (CBOs) in Eastleigh responsible for garbage collection. However, many businesses prefer to use street families because they are cheaper. This practice has compounded the area’s waste disposal issues.

In response, Ahmedkadar promised to take action against malls and other businesses that hire street families for waste disposal. He revealed that some businesses store their waste throughout the day and discreetly hand it over to street families for dumping at night.

“We will take strong action against those malls. They are heavily contributing to the garbage problem in Eastleigh,” he said.