Residents Want Oko-Oba Abattoir Relocated

Siting an abattoir in Oko-Oba, Agege Local Government, was meant to boost the business activities in the area but has come with a price: the nasty stench that has constituted a menace to residents of the area. This has necessitated a call for the abattoir to be relocated.

Speaking with P.M.NEWS Businessweek, David, a resident of Millennium Estate, located close to the entrance of the abattoir, who has been living in the vicinity for about four years condemned the disgusting odor and the hazards it constitutes to residents. He stated that residents have been finding it uneasy to cope with the stench while all efforts to make government provide a lasting solution has met a brickwall.

“The smell has been bad. You will observe that most people don’t open their windows especially at the rear end of the estate. The stench is killing.  We feel it more each time they burn horns, usually in the morning and late at night.

“This place is a danger zone for the asthmatic because he or she could pass out. At one time, they were stopped from burning things around here but now they are back. We want the Lagos State government to find a way to relocate them inside the abattoir or if possible relocate the abattoir if that will bring a lasting solution,” he said

Narrating their ordeal, another resident, who doesn’t want his identity disclosed said that residents usually complained of fever, various infections and other health hazards. As a result, some have relocated to avoid further problems. “I moved here about two years ago to live with my brother. The stench has been our major challenge. In fact, most of my friends don’t like visiting because of the choking smell. Many have relocated while those who couldn’t afford to do so due to lack of finances and other reasons, are on daily basis subjected to the traumatic experience. I’m of the opinion that the abattoir should be relocated since the smell can’t be controlled,” he fumed.

Eunice Kolawole, who also lives around the area said that even though much has been done to enforce environmental sanitation and proper waste disposal methods, the irritating smell is still a bone of contention. Since the area is densely populated, Kolawole felt the lives of many are at risk of airborne diseases. Like others, she is of the view that the abattoir should be relocated. “May be when the abattoir was created, there were few residential buildings here, but now that more people have moved here, government should think of a way save us from this looming epidemic.

As observed by this medium, the stench is aggravated by various factors. Apart from the repulsive odour, the disposal of water, mixed with cow blood and faeces, into the drainages inside the abattoir contribute to the stench.

Another factor is the presence of a dump site located inside the abattoir. The unpleasant smell that emits from the refuse site poses a serious danger and also adds to the foul odour. Though regular sanitation is being enforced weekly, the stench remains pervasive in the area.

Despite the stench and the hazards it constitutes, food vendors operate in the area and they enjoy high patronage. One wonders if such location is suitable for food vendors to operate and if the food served in such environment is safe for human consumption. P.M.NEWS Businessweek also observed that while some residents and those who have business concerns in the area often complain about the smell, many seem unbothered by the smell and appear to have got used to the stench.

The lotto operators whose kiosks are close to the canal don’t complain as they make their money daily.

All efforts to speak with Harmony Services Limited, the private firm concessioned to manage the abattoir, on how to stem the menace prove unfruitful as they all refused to comment. The traders around the place also refused to talk.

Oko-Oba abattoir is believed to be the largest abattoir in Lagos State. It houses quite a large number of cattle, goat and camel dealers, butchers and traders with over 20 traders’ associations. Due to the economic activities the abattoir commands, some financial institutions like First Bank and other Micro Finance Banks operate in the premises.

—Femi Ayodele