Uncollected garbage raises fears of waterborne diseases in Kitengela

Residents of Kitengela, Kajiado county, have raised concerns over uncollected garbage, saying the unsanitary conditions could cause waterborne diseases.

Agitated residents say much hyped waste bins placed at strategic points in the town two months ago have worsened sanitation conditions because garbage had not been collected.

The traders lamented that the choking stench from the rotten garbage had hurt their businesses, claiming customers were staying away.

“The Kitengela municipality introduced waste bins two months ago. The bins are now overflowing with the garbage because they are never emptied, posing a health hazard,” said Jane Nduta, a trader at the Kitengela market.

“We fear if the menace is not urgently addressed, we will have an outbreak of cholera. The dirt is way too much and has attracted flies, which are now all over our fruits and vegetables,” said trader John Muthoka.

Traders complained that because the bins were overflowing, some irresponsible residents had resorted to dumping waste in the drainage system.

“Most of the drainage trenches are totally blocked by waste dumped carelessly by rogue traders. The county government is sleeping on the job,” said resident Muthui Musyoka.

Municipality manager Josphine Sane could not be reached for comment.

Speaking when the bins were launched, Sane acknowledged that limited resources and a lack of policies had complicated waste management in the town.