Despite the government coming up with measures to manage garbage, it is still a major problem in our country. No single county, village or estate can boast of being garbage-free.
For the residents of Kitere in Migori County, garbage is a huge menace. Residents complain of strong odours from various accumulations of garbage that attract pests like rats, cockroaches and flies.
The pests are carriers of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. Garbage is therefore a threat to the lives of these residents who are concerned that no action has ever been put in place to contain it.
Grated, some residents are negligent and lack knowledge about the proper disposal of home waste. For example, garbage piles often conceal sharp objects and broken glasses that can cause injuries and infections or even more severe harm. Improper disposal of other types of garbage such as plastics can block drainage systems and waterways, leading to flooding.
According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), improper disposal of garbage can also contribute to climate change. This happens when the decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. Burning garbage in open areas also releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere causing global warming.
Improper disposal of waste also has an impact on the economy because the management and cleanup of such garbage require significant financial resources. Governments have to allocate funds for waste collection, treatment, and disposal. Improper disposal of garbage also causes habitat destruction. When garbage is irresponsibly dumped in natural habitats or water bodies, it destroys the natural ecosystem. Marine life can be affected by ingesting or getting entangled in plastic waste, leading to deaths.
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Let us all dispose of our waste properly to avoid random accumulations of garbage. However, the government must also provide public disposal facilities and punish those who dispose of their garbage carelessly. This will serve as an example to the rest and help in creating awareness about proper disposal and how it affects us.