INADEQUATE DRAINAGE INFLICTS DAILY HARDSHIP ON MAIRI RESIDENTS
For the residents of Mairi, daily life is a constant struggle against the effects of poor drainage. With little to no proper channels to direct wastewater and rainwater, stagnant pools have become a familiar yet devastating sight in the community. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting health, sanitation, and overall well-being.
One of the most alarming issues is the health crisis caused by the accumulation of stagnant water. Puddles of filthy, unmoving water line the streets, serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. As a result, malaria cases in Mairi are rampant, with many families constantly battling fevers and infections. Children, in particular, are the worst affected, as they frequently fall ill due to exposure to contaminated water. A resident, Amina Yusuf, shared her ordeal: “My five-year-old son has been in and out of the hospital due to malaria. Every time it rains, mosquitoes multiply, and within days, he is sick again.”
The problem worsens during the rainy season when the roads become impassable, forcing people to wade through dirty, contaminated water. Students who live off-campus are among the worst-hit victims. They have no choice but to navigate through knee-deep floodwater mixed with refuse and sewage just to attend classes. Some have reported developing skin infections and other waterborne diseases due to repeated exposure.
“I can’t count how many times I’ve had rashes and infections on my legs,” said Haruna Musa a university student residing in Mairi. “We walk through this dirty water every day, and we have no alternative routes.”
Beyond the health concerns, the poor drainage system also causes unbearable stench throughout the neighborhood. Residents complain that the foul odor from the stagnant water and decaying waste makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or even breathe comfortably. Businesses suffer, and families are forced to keep their windows shut at all times, yet the smell still seeps through.
The people of Mairi are calling on the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action. The lack of proper drainage is not just an inconvenience—it is a serious public health hazard that endangers lives daily. Until a lasting solution is provided, residents will continue to live in fear of the next downpour, knowing it will bring nothing but more hardship.
By ANNA GABRIEL