By Daisy Jones
Concerns have been raised over growing waste accumulation in Moyamba Junction in southern Sierra Leone, with residents warning of potential public health risks if the situation is not urgently addressed.
Community members say solid waste has been left to pile up in public spaces, creating unpleasant conditions and raising fears of possible disease outbreaks, especially during the rainy season.
A senior citizen, Mohamed Tucker, called for improved sanitation practices and urged petty traders to take responsibility for waste disposal by using bins and ensuring daily clearance of refuse from market areas.
He also appealed to local authorities, traditional leaders and community groups to introduce and enforce by-laws aimed at regulating waste disposal and improving environmental sanitation in the community.
The concerns come amid wider challenges of waste management in parts of Sierra Leone, where inadequate disposal systems and limited enforcement of sanitation regulations continue to affect both urban and semi-urban areas.
Public health experts have previously warned that poor waste management can contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases and other infections, particularly in densely populated communities.
Residents are now calling for swift intervention by local councils and sanitation authorities to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger environmental and health crisis.
