Eyes on governor over stinking town

By Mercy Kahenda

Nakuru, Kenya: Absence of litter bins in Nakuru town has contributed to poor waste disposal, which has led to clogging of drainage system.

Residents of the fast-growing town are now calling on the county government to provide litter bins for waste disposal.

A survey indicated that there are only three dust bins along Kenyatta Avenue, the busiest street in the town serving hundreds of residents.

The rest of the streets have no garbage collection bins, with residents disposing waste as they wish.

Some traders are using carton boxes to collect waste, which they put in front of their shops.

The traders at the close of business give street boys Sh10 to dump the waste at garbage sites.

Unfortunately, the waste ends up in the environment.

Some of the waste people drop on the street include nylon bags, maize cobs, tissue papers, sweets wrappings, plastic bottles and used scratch cards.

Passengers also throw used plastic bottles, among other waste, outside the vehicles despite the fact that National Environmental Management Authority ordered all matatus fitted with litter bins.

Stephen Karanja, who sells music CDs along Kenyatta Avenue, says as much as people would not want to litter the streets, they have no option.  “I don’t blame the public. Where do you expect them to place the waste? Carry them to their homes? It is not possible,” he said.

David Mutula, a grocery operator along Joyous Street, said lack of dust bins has highly contributed to loss of business.

Low prices

Mutula keeps fruits waste in a paper bag for the entire day, which attracts flies and keeps away customers who are conscious of hygiene.

“I have experienced great loss caused by flies that keep on hoovering over my products since no buyer gets attracted to contaminated food,” complained Mutula.

Things worsen as you approach Jamia Mosque, which is a popular food joint. The smell in the air is unbearable but customers still find the place conducive because of pocket friendly prices of food.

The place is full of stagnant water that flows along the food kiosks. As people consume food, they throw wrappings and remains carelessly.

Nahida Chepkurui, a perfume seller within the mosque is disappointed with the poor situation. She said the municipal council is reluctant to collect dirt along the area despite the fact that traders pay for services.

“The municipal council has shifted its work to us. Instead of assisting us grow, they are causing us more loss for leaving the environment dirty,” said Chepkurui.

She claimed that though she sells perfume, odour from waste sends away customers who believe she sells expired products.

Chepkurui noted if dustbins were placed in strategic points, the town would be clean.

“It is not ignorance that causes dumping of garbage but it is lack of dust bins,” said Chepkurui.

She said most people are conscious of clean environment and what is needed are more bins and enforcement of the law to ensure no one throws litter in the streets.