Residents of Ikole-Ekiti have decried indiscriminate refuse dumping in the town, warning that blocked drainage channels and waterways could worsen flooding and pose serious public health risks.

The residents said the situation is particularly severe at Ologede, where refuse allegedly dumped by traders and waste handlers from the Ikole Central Market has obstructed drainage channels and waterways.

Prince Oluwole Fagbewesa, on behalf of the community members, told the Nigerian Tribune that similar incidents are common in several parts of the town, leading to environmental degradation, poor sanitation and an increased risk of flooding during the rainy season.

He recalled that the Ikole Local Government Area, previously, provided waste collection containers in the market, while a designated contractor regularly evacuated refuse to approved disposal sites.

He noted that the arrangement appears to have been discontinued, resulting in the accumulation of waste in public spaces.

"On behalf of residents, I'm appealing to the Ekiti State government, Ikole Local government area and relevant environmental agencies to urgently revive the waste collection and disposal system to safeguard lives, property and the environment," he said.

Fagbewesa also called for the immediate clearance of refuse blocking the Ologede culvert to restore the free flow of stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

He urged the authorities to extend the drainage channel beside the late Chief Jacob Akintola Irugbon-Ejo house, constructed by the Ecological fund office, to the Ilotin area and connect it to the Omi-Omo culvert to improve water discharge.

He stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents and traders on the dangers of dumping refuse into drainage channels and waterways.

Fagbewesa, who is the Principal Secretary to the Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, Ọba Moses Akinwande Ogundana, also advocated stricter enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations, including appropriate sanctions against individuals and businesses found violating waste disposal laws.

He expressed optimism that with prompt intervention by the government and the cooperation of residents, Ikole-Ekiti could achieve a cleaner environment and significantly reduce the threat of flooding.