By: Problyn J. Alpha
Koidu New Sembehun City continues to face mounting challenges in waste management despite repeated interventions by government institutions, development partners, organizations, and individuals aimed at keeping the municipality clean.
The accumulation of garbage across parts of the city, particularly during the rainy season, has raised growing concerns among residents about public health, environmental sanitation, and urban management.
Several areas on the outskirts of the municipality, as well as drainage channels along major streets and within the Central Business District (CBD), are reportedly clogged with waste. Residents say the blocked drains contribute to frequent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, disrupting movement and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Environmental health experts have long warned that improperly managed waste and blocked drainage systems can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents, increasing the risk of diseases and placing an additional financial burden on households through healthcare costs.
Some residents who spoke to this medium expressed concern over what they described as inadequate waste management within the municipality. They argued that stronger enforcement of sanitation regulations, regular waste collection, and public awareness campaigns are needed to address the growing problem.
Critics have also questioned the Koidu New Sembehun City Council’s handling of sanitation, alleging that insufficient attention has been given to waste management while greater emphasis has been placed on revenue collection. They further alleged that the approval or sale of land for construction on waterways has contributed to drainage challenges. These allegations have not been independently verified, and the City Council has not responded to them in this report.
Residents maintained that unless drainage channels are regularly cleared and illegal dumping is addressed, flooding is likely to remain a recurring problem during the rainy season.
Over the years, organizations including the former Koidu Limited Mining Company and Welthungerhilfe, among others, have reportedly provided financial and technical support for environmental sanitation and waste management initiatives in the municipality. However, many residents believe that the desired improvements have yet to be realized, as garbage continues to accumulate in several parts of the city.
Residents are now calling on the Koidu New Sembehun City Council, the Government, development partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen waste management systems, improve drainage maintenance, and promote responsible waste disposal practices to protect public health and preserve the city’s environment.