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Mounting piles of garbage at the Waterloo dumpsite near Tombo Junction are increasingly encroaching on the Bomeh Main Highway, raising concerns over public health, road safety and traffic movement.
The dumpsite, located in the Western Rural District, has reportedly become an informal offloading point for drivers transporting vegetables from the provinces to Freetown.
Drivers reportedly unload produce, including potato leaves and cassava leaves, at the site, where traders from Freetown gather in the mornings to purchase the goods for resale in markets across the capital.
The growing activity has raised concerns about the conditions under which the food items are being handled, particularly as the produce is traded in close proximity to accumulated waste.
Residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate action by the authorities to address the situation. They have also questioned the continued collection of market dues from traders operating in the area despite the reported unhygienic conditions.
A health worker warned that authorities should respond quickly, noting that the handling and sale of food in an environment surrounded by waste could increase public health risks.
Passersby and health experts have also raised concerns about the impact of the informal trading activity on traffic, particularly during the morning hours.
Reports highlighted by Radio Democracy SL indicate that the garbage has accumulated to a point where it is nearly covering portions of the highway.
The waste has narrowed parts of the road, creating difficulties for motorists and pedestrians while increasing the risk of traffic-related incidents.
The decomposing garbage is also reportedly attracting flies, mosquitoes and rodents, while the resulting odour is affecting nearby residents, businesses and road users.
The situation has further highlighted concerns over waste-management capacity, including limited access to trucks and heavy equipment needed to remove large quantities of accumulated waste.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention to clear the garbage, relocate the dumping area away from the highway and restore safe traffic movement.
They are also urging the authorities to establish regular waste collection and take measures to prevent further dumping along the road.
