Daily chants of “bola! bola! bola!” echo through many satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), signalling the presence of informal refuse collectors popularly known as Mai Bola or Baban Bola.
While environmental observers acknowledge that the collectors fill a gap created by inadequate waste evacuation services, investigations show that their activities pose serious environmental and public health risks, as much of the waste they collect is dumped into rivers, streams and drainage channels.
From Karu, Jikwoyi and Karimo to Gwagwalada, Zuba and Kubwa, canals and waterways are increasingly clogged with refuse, leading to flooding, water contamination and foul odours.
Experts warn that indiscriminate dumping of waste into water bodies worsens climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation. Health professionals also link the pollution to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis A and E, as well as the spread of disease-carrying vectors.
In Kubwa, residents say the problem has become blatant, with refuse collectors openly emptying waste into streams under bridges at Phase 3, Phase 4 and PW areas, often without interference from security operatives. Attempts by residents to challenge the practice are reportedly met with threats and violence.
A resident, Mrs Aisha Danjuma, described the situation as alarming, saying the collectors operate with impunity and pose a danger to public safety. Another resident, Mr Joseph Ude, said the closure of an approved dumpsite along the Kubwa Expressway had worsened the situation, creating what he described as a breakdown of law and order in waste management.
Some of the refuse collectors admitted dumping waste into streams, blaming the absence of accessible dumpsites. One of them, Aminu Bello, said a former dumpsite at Phase 3 Expressway had been taken over by a developer, leaving them with few options. Another, Abubakar Isah, said dumping into nearby streams was more convenient than travelling long distances.
Stakeholders have also raised concerns about the apparent inaction of local authorities. Ms Memuna Mohammed of Chanja Datti Recycling Company said the takeover of the Kubwa Expressway dumpsite forced waste and recycling firms out of the area, leaving Kubwa without an approved disposal point.
Although the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced steps to procure new waste collection contractors for satellite towns, observers note that responsibility for sanitation in Kubwa rests with the Bwari Area Council. Efforts to obtain comments from the council were unsuccessful.
Environmentalists warn that continued neglect could worsen pollution of rivers and streams, with long-term consequences for ecosystems and human health. They have called on the Bwari Area Council to provide waste collection points, deploy bin wagons, and collaborate with relevant agencies to curb illegal dumping and restore environmental safety in Kubwa and other affected communities.