Eastleigh

Businesses on Fourth Street grapple with growing garbage crisis

Garbage on Eastleigh's Fourth Street on Second Avenue causing concerns among business people. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Saturday, June 22, 2024

Much of the garbage in Eastleigh results from the Green Army using parts of major roads as collection points, often taking weeks or even months to clear them.

Business owners along Fourth Street on Second Avenue in Eastleigh are raising concerns over the piles of garbage accumulating for over a month. The waste is not only blocking the busy road but is also proliferating, causing significant disruptions.

On June 1, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who visited the area to commission 8th Street, saw the garbage and promised to address the issue. However, no action has been taken since his commitment.

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The area Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Ahmedkadar Dabar, was also present and expressed his shock at the sheer volume of the garbage.

Fourth Street is a vital road used by thousands of people daily. It also serves as a stage for several matatus including those who ply Eastleigh, Komarock, and other Eastland areas.

The situation has been further complicated by sludge from a borehole being drilled at a construction site nearby. The sludge has spread to Second Street on one side and Seventh Street on the other, creating additional hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

Business owners fear the garbage will soon completely block the road.

Ahmed Qays, who owns a shop opposite the garbage site, has been struggling with the unpleasant smell. "As you can hear my voice, I'm not well. It's because of the smell of this garbage. Over one month now, and nothing is being done," said Ahmed.

He worries that the garbage is growing at an alarming rate and might soon block the road which will severely impact his business. "I sell foodstuffs. Nobody will buy from me with this kind of garbage right in front of my shop. I fear soon the whole road might be blocked."

Safia Hassan, who runs a cosmetic shop in the area, shares similar concerns, saying the sludge has made it worse. "Look at all that mud. Customers cannot access my shop, so they avoid this side," said Safia.

She noted that the garbage problem worsens every day as more waste is dumped at night. "Many dump their garbage here at night. It is growing every day," she lamented.

Julius Mwangi, a motorbike rider, added that the garbage has significantly reduced the road's width, making it challenging for vehicles to pass simultaneously.

He called on the MCA and the County government to take immediate action. "Our MCA and the county government of Nairobi should do their work. This garbage has been here for a long time, even Sakaja saw it early this month."

Eastleigh has long struggled with garbage issues. Large waste piles on major roads within the estate impede movement and affect residents' well-being.

When Governor Sakaja visited Eastleigh on June 1, he promised to equip the Green Army with the necessary resources to keep the area clean. However, this promise remains unfulfilled.

Much of the garbage in Eastleigh results from the Green Army using parts of major roads as collection points, often taking weeks or even months to clear them.

Second Avenue, the second busiest road after Yusuf Haji Avenue, is home to thousands of businesses despite being a primarily residential area.

The ongoing garbage problem is severely affecting these businesses, with no clear solution in sight.