Advocating a Proactive Solid Waste Management Strategy for Calabar Metropolis

Calabar metropolis for decades has been the envy of numerous cities in Nigeria, due to its very clean streets, hospitality and culture . However, in the past two years, the problems of improper solid waste management has become so prominent, with rapidly expanding anticlines and synclines of extensive rubbish heaps, in this paradise of a city. Today, visitors to Calabar municipality and Calabar South, would invariably be shocked, by the present level of deterioration of the physical environment, due to the gradual emergence of solid waste heaps extending for several metres.


Without doubt, the problems posed by industrial, commercial and domestic (household) solid waste generation, appears to be the worst outcome of urbanization, in developed and developing countries. This appears to be the same in almost all Urban areas in Nigeria


 It must be acknowledged, that the types of solid wastes generated in developing nations, like Nigeria, may not be as hazardous, as those in developed countries, such as the United States of America, Russia and the United Kingdom, especially where electricity generation depends lesser on thermal or hydroelectricity , and more on nuclear reactors. However, the lack of technology in the adequate management of medical wastes, given the diverse spread of new, and in fact previously unheard of diseases in Africa, may result in unprecedented level of disease outbreak in cities like Calabar, Lagos and Port Harcourt in Nigeria, as well as several urban areas in other African countries like Ghana, Cameroon and south Africa.


The site where solid waste was evacuated weeks ago, is now clean and usable for trading at Watt Market -17-09-2021


The problem could even be more aggravated due to the increasing population of vectors, such as houseflies, cockroaches, rodents and reptiles, which thrives on solid wastes. This is most likely to become a major threat to human health in these African city. This is the more reason why the present inadequate management of solid wastes in Calabar metropolis should, and the consequential toxic environment, should be a major source of concern to all public health workers, assigned government officials and the city's dwellers.


Dump Site at Mayne Avenue Extension by Goldie Street Junction, Calabar- 17-09-2021


The question is to know and decide, who is directly responsible for solid waste management in entire Cross River state, and especially in Calabar metropolis. It surely can not be the federal government?.The responsibility, logically, should be with the state and/or the two local government authorities. Notably, the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) had played this role effectively for over a decade, until in recent times. Could there be a new arrangement, that is not working?. 


Solid waste Dump Site at Watt Market, Behind the Major Shopping Complex- 17-09-2021


Sincerely, this is not the time and this article is also not a place, to blame anyone, political party or agency, but to find a quick and effective solution to the existing environmental problem. With new year and the yuletide period, fast approaching, there will soon be rapid influx of visitors, into this historic and beautiful city, we all treasure.

Also, we should all remember that tourism is a major source of revenue in Cross river state, and that Calabar city is in the front line of that offer to the world. It is here suggested, that there is need for an integrated waste management system for the city, based on reducing and reusing of solid wastes. The strategy is to focus on comprehensive waste prevention, recycling, composting, and disposal programme. Thus, there is no time to waste.

There are widespread waste heaps around Calabar Preparatory International School by Bateba street junction, Watt market by Garden Street, Maybe Avenue Extension by Goldie Street, Marian Market, Atu Street and at other places within the metropolis. Painfully, Children of the famous Calabar Preparatory International School, daily sit in classes, unceasingly saturated with unwanted and avoidable air pollution. The line of solid waste is gradually spreading towards the institutions' main gate, having already made the small gate along Bateba street unusable. These are undesirable outcomes.


Extensive Solid Waste Heaps Behind Calabar Preparatory International School (Eta-Agbo Street by Bateba Street, Calabar-17-09-2021


It is pertinent at this stage, to ask some questions, in case there are residents of accommodations in affected areas within Calabar Metropolis. For instance, how have you fared with this emerging threats to human health, caused by improper solid waste management?. Who do you think is presently responsible or should be responsible for solid waste management in Calabar metropolis?. Is it the state government, or local governments?. Please indicate your opinion.

NB: Since this article was written and submitted for publication, on a popular news and social platform, commendable efforts are being made to evacuate some solid wastes from the locations, as was the case in watt market area. We have decided to publish on this mediaStreet(

A Transformation of Environment after Waste is Evacuated behind Calabar Preparatory International  School by Etta Agbo Street (Kudos!!)-21-09-2022


Calabar will continue to be the first or second neatest city in Nigeria, with all governmental, individual and non governmental efforts.