Residents of Apete, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, have expressed concerns over a waste disposal truck abandoned on a busy road in the area.
The odour emanating from the vehicle, which had been by the roadside for two days following an accident, posed significant health risks to the community.
The residents, according to a report by the Punch Newspaper, state that navigating the area had become risky for their health since the incident occurred on Tuesday.
During a visit to the area, our correspondent observed that despite the refuse being covered, the truck continued to release foul odour, making the area uncomfortable for residents and passersby.
The truck, which remains parked without one of its tires, was filled with refuse and causing an unbearable stench that has permeated parts of the neighborhood.
It was observed that many residents were forced to cover their noses as they hurriedly passed by, while some businesses in the vicinity had temporarily shut down.
However, those shop owners and their employees who endured the stench from the damaged truck opened were seen wearing face masks to mitigate the unpleasant odour.
A resident, Ajoke Saheed, lamented the development, saying, “The situation has become unbearable. They have refused to remove the vehicle since the accident happened, and it is disturbing everyone.”
Also, a commercial motorcyclist, Opeoluwa Ajani, expressed concern over the health implications of the foul smell while stressing the community’s distress over the situation.
“In this tough economic situation, the last thing anyone wants is to get sick. We need to focus on finding ways to make a living, not dealing with health issues. The government must act fast to remove this truck,” he said.
A roadside trader, Faranmi Oladele, shared his apprehensions about the contents of the truck.
She noted, “I cannot help but worry about what else might be in that vehicle due to the intensity of the odour. I have even had to relocate my sales stand to avoid the smell.”
The resident called on the state government for immediate action to address the issue.
Reacting in an interview, the Director of Operations, Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Nureni Kabiru, assured residents that the truck would be moved away soon.
He clarified that the vehicle was not one of the state government’s branded waste trucks but belonged to a consultant.
He added, “We are actively working on repairing it, and I can assure you that within a few hours, the truck will be removed from the area.”
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