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Residents of Broadricks,
Coal Camp in Enugu North Local Government of Enugu Enugu have alerted the Enugu State health and environmental agencies to potential outbreak of disease epidemic in the area.
The residents expressed
fear over the impending epidemic due to a serious stench and possible contamination from an uncovered toilet in one of the compounds in the area.
Some of the residents who spoke with Dome Television on condition of anonymity expressed concern that despite the irritating odour, some tenants were still occupying building and even selling water and other edible items to unsuspecting consumers.
They appealed to relevant agencies of government to urgently intervene to avert the ugly situation.
A visit to the property located at No 17 Broadricks street, Coal Camp, it was observed that the said soakaway pit of the toilet was partially closed with planks leaving the entire area oozing with stench.
A female tenant who reluctantly spoke on the situation acknowledged that the toilet posses health risk but said that she was not aware of the landlord had been contacted to fix the facility.
When contacted, the owner of the building, who identified himself simply as Mr Ofobike, said that he had met with tenants who all agreed to relocate so that he can fix the property.
He said, however that one family refused to leave even after he had offered to find a new place for them. He said that he had also written to the ministry of environment but no action has been taken yet.
“It has been a long story. I bought that property eight months ago and this property was in this condition. It was very bad, so I told the tenants there to pack out so I could fix the place, especially the toilet and bathroom.
“One of the tenants, know as Mr. George said that he will repair it. After one month, I noticed that he hasn’t done anything so I told him to pack out from the property. He has refused to leave the place. I even promised to find even a bigger apartment and pay the rent for him but he refused.
“Even my lawyer has given him quit notice but he has refused to leave. The man is about to die. Imagine living inside an open toilet. It is a pure death trap. I am glad that you people heard the story and are here to see for yourselves. I am pleading with the government to help.
“I have even written to the ministry of environment but there’s not been any action. The man’s small children are always playing around the soakaway. They even cook there. No one should hold me responsible if anything happens here. I have done my best.
When contacted, the state Commissioner for Environment, Professor Sam Ngwu said he was not aware of development but requested for the residents to officially write the ministry for urgent attention.