Abakaliki Residents Raise Alarm as Environment Workers Allegedly Dump Waste Into Drainage

By Ichie Times

Residents of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have expressed outrage after sanitation workers alleged to be officials of the state Ministry of Environment were reportedly filmed dumping swept waste directly into a drainage channel.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has generated public criticism following the circulation of a video purportedly showing the workers pushing dirt into a drainage instead of loading the waste into their truck for proper disposal.

Residents who witnessed the incident described the development as disturbing, particularly because the workers were reportedly carrying out an environmental sanitation exercise intended to keep the streets and drainage channels clean.

The video has reportedly triggered criticism among residents and social media users, with concerns raised about the potential consequences of dumping waste into drainage channels in a city where blocked waterways can contribute to flooding and environmental degradation.

Some residents questioned the rationale behind the alleged action, arguing that government sanitation workers should be setting an example in proper waste management rather than contributing to the problem they were engaged to address.

The development has also renewed calls for greater supervision and accountability in environmental sanitation operations across the state.

Residents urged the Ebonyi State Government and the Ministry of Environment to investigate the incident, establish what happened and, where necessary, take appropriate action to ensure that sanitation activities achieve their intended purpose.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Ebonyi State Ministry of Environment regarding the alleged incident.

Ichie Times could not independently verify the circumstances surrounding the video or determine whether the individuals shown were authorised to dispose of the waste in the manner alleged.