Eastleigh North residents alarmed by mounting garbage crisis near school

Residents of Eastleigh North are raising alarms about a serious garbage issue along Captain Mungai Street, especially near St. Teresa Primary School.

The growing accumulation of waste poses significant health risks to children, prompting urgent calls for action from community members and local leaders alike.

Peter Mbai, a staff member at St. Peter’s Primary, expressed his concerns to the Eastleigh Voice, stating that the presence of flies and the foul smell disrupt the learning environment for students.

"The health of our children is at risk. We, as environmental advocates, need help getting rid of this trash. We ask the county to take immediate action," Mbai pleaded.

He further highlighted that the narrow roads, exacerbated by the trash, further endanger the students. “Our children are in danger, and we don’t know how to proceed because we have tried to raise awareness without any avail,” he lamented.

Tom Omollo, a local motorcycle rider, expressed that the area has been neglected for months. He remarked that the troubles began after the road was repaired, as garbage started being dumped soon after. Since then, the community has endured ongoing disturbances.

Omollo added that trash often remains uncollected for more than two months, leading to several accidents in the vicinity. Just recently, a vehicle fell into a trench next to the school, which he found deeply concerning. He thus called on the county government to find alternative waste collection points to help alleviate the issue.

Vincent Musyoka, Joseph Mutanga and Victor Karani, members of the youth group in Eastleigh North Ward, at the dumping site along Captain Mungai Street in Eastleigh Nairobi on September 30, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

While concurring with the residents, Vincent Mulwa, the waste ward manager for Eastleigh North, stated that his efforts to address the problem have gone unanswered for months.

He lamented that garbage has accumulated for over two months despite his attempts to advocate for its removal. On September 26, after considerable pressure from various groups, a truck arrived but only collected a single load, leaving the rest behind.

Mulwa emphasised the need for complete clearance of the waste and also raised alarms about the trash's proximity to St. Teresa Primary School, warning that if a child were to contract cholera, it could jeopardise the health of the entire community, drawing parallels to previous outbreaks seen in Mathare.

In response to the growing crisis, a county official, who preferred to remain anonymous, acknowledged the challenges faced in addressing the situation but vowed to resolve it.

“Our efforts to eradicate the trash at this site have proven futile due to illegal dumping. Even after we clear it, a huge pile reappears the very next day,” the official noted.

He emphasised the need for collaboration between county officers and residents to effectively tackle the issue. “We will prioritise St. Teresa Primary School in our efforts to eradicate the trash and create a healthier environment for the children,” the county official added.

As heavy rains continue, the urgency for action is becoming more critical. Residents are calling for the county government to prioritise the cleanup and implement more effective waste management solutions to protect the health and safety of their children. The growing concern is not just about unsightly trash but about the potential health crisis looming if immediate action is not taken.

The blocked sewage line along captain Mungai street in Eastleigh. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)