By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, Nigeria. 27 January 2025
In a remarkable display of resilience and innovation, scavengers in Kaduna have turned a designated sewage dump site on the outskirts of the city into a thriving manure business. The initiative, which has provided economic empowerment for over 150 individuals, converts decomposed sewage into organic fertilizer for agricultural use.
A team of journalists, under the auspices of the Bridge That Gap Initiative, visited Katanga Community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where the project has been ongoing. Their findings revealed a structured enterprise with leadership guiding operations to maintain order.
From Displacement to Entrepreneurship
According to Mallam Zubairu, the group’s leader, the business started over three years ago after they were displaced from their farmlands by bandits. Seeking alternative means of survival, they discovered the economic potential of manure production from sewage waste.
“We sell a truckload of manure for at least ₦8,000, out of which ₦1,000 is paid as tax to the local authority,” Zubairu disclosed.
Mallam Suleiman Kawosu, another scavenger who travels over 70 kilometers from Zaria to Katanga, said he has been in the business for years and now sustains his family of nine children through manure sales.
“A truckload goes for ₦10,000, and it has been a reliable source of income for me,” he added.
Environmental Concerns and Health Risks
While the initiative has created economic opportunities and contributes to organic farming, environmentalists have raised concerns about the health hazards associated with the practice.
Gloria Kasang Bulus, an environmentalist and convener of the site tour, noted that many scavengers operate without protective gear, exposing themselves to health risks. Additionally, she observed that some parts of the sewage were being burnt, contrary to environmental safety regulations.
“There are economic and environmental benefits, but we must ensure that proper health measures are in place,” she cautioned.
Illegal Waste Dumps in Residential Areas
The tour also took journalists and environmentalists to Tudun Illu in Kaduna North Local Government, where a massive illegal waste dump site sits in the middle of a residential area, close to the Central Market.
Local chief Alhaji Bala Illu expressed frustration over the site’s long existence, stating that it recently caused a fire outbreak at a nearby primary school. He urged the government to take decisive action to clear the site and prevent further hazards.
Alhaji Shehu Usman supported the chief’s concerns, adding that many residents have fallen ill due to the environmental dangers posed by the dumpsite.
Climate experts, including Bulus and Zinta Istifanus, decried the presence of refuse dumps in densely populated areas, emphasizing the urgent need for authorities to enforce proper waste management practices.
Call for Action
The visit by journalists and environmentalists marked a significant step toward documenting environmental challenges in Kaduna and advocating for improved waste management. Stakeholders are now urging the government to implement strict regulations to ensure compliance with global environmental best practices.
As Kaduna grapples with waste management issues, the transformation of a sewage dump into a business venture offers valuable lessons on resilience and sustainability. However, without proper oversight, the health and environmental risks could outweigh the benefits.
