GARBAGE MANAGEMENT CONCERNS: A GROWING ISSUE IN ARUA CITY

One of the garbage dumping points in the city (Photo by Sunday Amandi)
 
By Martin Anguyo
Arua City
 
Business operators in Arua Central Division, primarily at Gagaa Market in Arua City, are sounding alarm over the untimely and poor garbage management in the area, emphasizing the need for effective garbage management systems, timely payment of workers, and a more responsive leadership that prioritizes the needs of the community.
 
According to Deep Walter, a businessman in the market, the situation has become a recurring problem that affects not only the environment but also the livelihoods of those who operate in the market.
 
“We are extremely frustrated with the garbage management situation in this area. While it's true that the central division council has taken some steps, there's still much work to be done. For instance, investing in garbage collection machinery and ensuring timely payment of workers would greatly improve the situation" said Walter.
 
Arafa Likico, a businesswoman laments that, the leaders' priorities have shifted towards politics, leaving pressing issues like garbage management unattended to.
 
"As business owners in this area, we've noticed that our leaders seem more focused on politics than on effectively managing garbage. If they devoted as much attention to waste management as they used to, the situation wouldn't be as dire. Furthermore, the indiscriminate dumping of garbage by residents is exacerbating the problem" noted Arafa.
 
Minima Faiza, another business operator, highlights the economic implications of poor garbage management. She observes that, the unclean environment is driving away customers, resulting in lost revenue for vendors.
 
"The poor garbage management has led to a proliferation of flies in the area, which is detrimental to our businesses. Specifically, the lack of proper storage facilities for our fried groundnuts is driving away customers. We urgently need a solution to this issue to restore the area's cleanliness and support local businesses," stated Faiza.
However, efforts to get response from the Arua Central Division leadership were unsuccessful at the time of compiling this story.
 
This issue underscores the need for a more proactive approach to tackling the problem and finding sustainable solutions and as the situation continues to deteriorate, the business operators in Gagaa Market are urging the authorities to take immediate action.