Hygiene Concerns Grow as Garbage Accumulates in Iganga Town
Iganga town is facing a garbage crisis as a result of the shortage of garbage collection trucks. This has led to the accumulation of garbage on various streets, with some streets even being temporarily closed due to the obstruction it causes, particularly in the Central Business Area.
The most severely affected roads include Ssaza, Ngobi, and Wagoina, all located within Iganga Municipality. Due to the lack of proper waste management, local residents are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential outbreak of diseases.
Asuman Ngobi, a resident of Iganga town, expressed his concerns, stating, “Garbage has not been collected for the past two weeks, leading to unpleasant odors on the streets.” This situation has impacted various businesses, such as butcheries, as uncollected garbage on the streets attracts flies, deterring customers.
Ibrahim Menya, a butcherman on Ssaza Road, explained that the presence of flies hovering over the garbage affects their business negatively. He stated that customers are put off when they see flies around the meat.
Iganga Mayor Bamu Lulenzi cited the ongoing breakdown of garbage trucks as a major obstacle to garbage collection. He said, “Some of our trucks are very old and have exceeded their expected lifespan. They break down almost every week, and the council lacks the funds to purchase new ones.”
The issue of excessive garbage littering the town’s major streets has persisted for an extended period, prompting residents to protest the situation last year. Despite this, authorities have yet to devise a lasting solution.
Certain activists are advocating for the privatization of garbage collection, similar to the approach in Jinja, where individuals pay for the collection of their household or business waste by private contractors. This model has not only helped alleviate the garbage crisis in Jinja but has also reduced the financial burden on the local council since individuals cover the cost of their waste disposal.
