Uncollected sludge on General Waruingi sparks health and safety concerns in Eastleigh
By Abdirahman Khalif |
The sewage system in the area had been blocked, resulting in road flooding during rainfall. Workers removed the sludge to address the issue, but it was left next to the same sewage system.
Hawkers selling camel milk and Somali snacks on 13th Street, General Waruingi, near Decale Restaurant, have raised concerns about uncollected sludge removed from the sewage system. The sludge, dumped on the roadside three days ago, poses health risks to hawkers and other road users.
The sludge spans several meters and emits a strong smell detectable from nearby areas. Hawkers, most of whom are mothers, expressed fears of potential disease outbreaks due to the unhygienic conditions. The sludge also obstructs a significant portion of the road, causing traffic challenges, particularly at night and during rush hours.
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The sewage system in the area had been blocked, resulting in road flooding during rainy season. Workers removed the sludge to address the issue, but it was left next to the same sewage system.
The sludge spans several meters and emits a strong smell detectable from nearby areas. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Residents worry that rain could return the sludge to the drainage, rendering the effort ineffective. Open sewage covers further exacerbate the danger, with the risk of pedestrians, especially children, falling in.
Fatuma Idle, a camel milk vendor, highlighted the health risks posed by the sludge. "We have nowhere else to go. The Nairobi Water should finish their job and collect the sludge before cholera breaks out," she said.
Fatuma also emphasised that hawkers like her sell ready-made food that can easily be contaminated.
Halima Quter, another vendor, noted a decline in customer confidence. "Customers doubt the safety of our products. They think our items are contaminated. We hope someone comes to collect the sludge soon."
The sewage system in the area had been blocked, resulting in road flooding during rainy season. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Taxi drivers in the area also voiced frustrations. Abdiaziz Harun, who operates near the site, questioned the purpose of removing the sludge if it would not be cleared.
"They removed and dumped it right there. If it rains, all that sludge will be back in the sewage. It is a waste," he said.
Noah Ngeno, the Kamukunji Subcounty Environment Officer, acknowledged the issue but stated he was out of the country. "This will be solved. It is under the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company."
Eastleigh, like other parts of Nairobi, frequently experiences floods during rains, largely due to blocked drainage systems.
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