Port Harcourt, the bustling capital of Rivers State, is currently grappling with an unpleasant and growing problem: a pervasive stench that has residents complaining across the city. The foul smell, reported in several major roads and pedestrian areas, is largely attributed to piled-up garbage, poor waste management, and human waste left in open spaces.
For years, the city has faced challenges in handling solid waste efficiently, and the problem seems to be escalating. Residents note that refuse collection is irregular, with heaps of trash sometimes left uncollected for days. In the city’s tropical heat, decomposing waste produces a strong odour that quickly spreads to surrounding streets and neighbourhoods.
Adding to the discomfort is the ongoing issue of open defecation in certain urban areas, which, combined with poor drainage systems, increase the smell. Human waste left on the roads or in pedestrian paths, especially near markets and busy streets, contributes directly to the foul odours residents now report.
Recent reports indicate that administrative disruptions in the city’s sanitation agency have worsened the situation. Some residents allege that garbage trucks fail to collect waste on schedule, leaving streets covered with refuse that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and pests.
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Environmental experts warn that prolonged exposure to decomposing waste and human excreta poses serious public health risks, including the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and other sanitation-related infections. Flooding and blocked drains during the rainy season further trap organic waste, intensifying the stench and complicating clean-up efforts.
The Rivers State government has acknowledged the growing sanitation crisis. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration has announced plans to relocate major dumpsites away from city corridors and improve waste management systems. Authorities emphasize that a combination of better waste disposal infrastructure and community cooperation is key to tackling the problem.
Residents, however, call for immediate action, stressing that the stench is not only a health hazard but also diminishes the city’s image as a commercial hub and gateway to the South-South region. Social media posts from Port Harcourt locals have highlighted major roads and pedestrian areas where the smell is particularly unbearable, urging the government to expedite clean-up operations.
