Lodwar struggles with garbage as officials blame plastic bag use
Turkana County workers during a clean-up. The county has proposed monthly clean-up days, with municipality staff educating the public and promoting proper waste management.
Filthy heaps of garbage in the backstreets of Lodwar town are becoming an eyesore, with authorities attributing the situation to the increased use of plastic bags and the lack of recycling of solid waste.
Lodwar Municipality Manager, Benjamin Tukei, confirmed that the town’s deteriorating cleanliness requires collective action to address the growing waste management issue.
Mr Tukei noted that there is indiscriminate waste disposal, highlighting the negative impact on public health and the town’s image.
“Residents and traders should adopt sustainable waste disposal practices, including recycling and reducing reliance on single-use plastics,” he said.
Some of the undesignated dumping sites are located near Cathedral Street, Samaki Sale Yard, Lodwar Fresh Produce Market, and Kenyatta Line Street.
Ms Jane Kodet expressed her frustration, saying that they don’t know who disposes of the waste behind her building near Ngonda Bar.
“There has been a heap of garbage near my building for five days now, and I don’t know when it will be collected,” Ms Kodet said.
County Public Health Officer, Kwaba Omwenga, proposed monthly clean-up days, with municipality staff educating the public and promoting proper waste management. He also emphasised individual responsibility for waste disposal.
“Traders have expressed their willingness to contribute to the initiative, suggesting pooling resources for waste collection and spearheading clean-up efforts. By working together, the community and the municipality can create a cleaner and healthier Lodwar,” Mr Omwenga said.
Municipality staff have been conducting a crackdown targeting illegal dumping and unauthorised construction on public land.
The recent operation, led by the municipality’s Deputy Manager, Simon Nangiro, focused on individuals and businesses violating municipal regulations by encroaching on road reserves, alleys, and passageways.
Mr Nangiro said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with municipal rules, contributing to the overall cleanliness and safety of Lodwar.
“To support the efforts of our contracted garbage collection service provider, we urge business owners to submit their waste management plans to the Municipality office for better supervision and to prevent waste from piling up,” he said.
The operation also provided an opportunity for the municipality team to educate residents and business owners on the importance of adhering to municipal regulations and enhancing service delivery ahead of the festival.
“We are particularly concerned with garages and vendors who burn tyres and other waste, leading to air and soil pollution. Stern measures will be taken against the culprits,” Mr Nangiro warned.
It was established that the town’s growth has led to an increase in waste, particularly from the rising number of bars, entertainment venues, and eateries, contributing to unsightly and unsanitary conditions in backstreets and undesignated areas.
