Liberia: Burning of waste poses health threat to Soniwein residents
…..Officer in Charge of Soniwein Clinic Decry the Situation – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – The burning of waste in and around Monrovia has now become very common, as residents think it is the best way to minimize huge garbage stockpiles, not knowing the health threat it poses.
Brining of Garbage in Soniwein, Monrovia
Waste burning might be an expedient way of cleaning up dump areas, but after repeated fires, it pollutes the air and the ground as well as being hazardous for human health.
These days, many people prefer to burn waste because it’s an easier method of rubbish disposal, due to the lack of practical actions by city authorities to clean the city of dirt.
The smoke can spread around the atmosphere, and once it gathers up in the air, it will precipitate in the form of acid rain, polluting water systems and damaging trees.
Every time there is a waste burning activity, whether it is caused by humans or is a natural occurrence, it puts pollutants like carbon dioxide, mercury and acid into the atmosphere.
These chemicals damage the environment and can cause a lot of harm to the soil.
This practice of burning garbage is now seen in many parts of Monrovia and environs where garbage stockpiles have been for a protracted period.
Brining of Garbage in Soniwein, Monrovia
Soniwein Community in Monrovia is facing serious garbage crisis.
The timely removal of garbage in this area continues to be a serious challenge for residents, marketers and pedestrians as well.
One of the institutions in this community that is seriously affected by the burning of garbage is the Soniwein Clinic.
The medical facility is right near the garbage site in the area with flies and bad odour taking over the facility.
The Officer in Charge of the Soniwein Health Centre, Irene G. Sherman said the dumpsite and burning of dirt is posing serious health problems.
Madam Sherman described the constant burning of garbage as a serious health threat to patients in particular and community residents in general and appealed for intervention.
She also called on government to relocate the clinic to the general market on UN Drive in Monrovia.
She said while management was containing strenuous problems of the Soniwien drainage, garbage site was creating more problems than solution for all within the community.
