The garbage dump located at the south side of Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex (UZHC) in Shailkupa municipality of Jhenaidah district is posing a significant health risk for the patient of the hospital, as well as the people of the area.
The garbage dump was built right next to the boundary wall of Upazila Health Complex 12 years ago. It continuously spreads bad smell and germs in the locality, making the life of the people of the municipality miserable. So far, the authorities have not taken any measures so far to solve this problem.
The upazila health administration said the garbage dump has become highly risky for the patients, staffs and the local residents of the area, as it continuously spread a foul odor, germs of infectious diseases, and pollutes the environment all the time.
The municipal authorities constructed a mini garbage dump adjacent to the boundary wall of the Upazila Health Complex at least 12 years ago. It was located beside the Shailkupa-Hatfazilpur connecting road. However, within a few years, the garbage dump became unsuitable for dumping garbage for a lack of proper maintenance and care. But the locals of the area did not stop dumping garbage there. As a result, the garbage thrown by the locals continued to pile up at that place day by day. As the garbage is not removed regularly, it continuously spreads a foul odor and germs of various diseases. The people, including pedestrians and passengers of different vehicles, are forced to hold their breath while passing the garbage dump. Many of them feel unwell when they cross the area.
Bashirul Islam, a motor garage mechanic and Mohammad Ali, a resident in the area said they informed the matter to the municipal authority several times and asked them to remove the garbage from the side of the road. They have been requesting them for a couple of years now. However, the authority did not pay any hid to their request. Rather, the garbage collectors collect a portion of the polythene bags thrown there and make some money out of it.
Dr Rashed Al Mamun, Shailkupa Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UH&FPO), said the garbage dump adjacent to the boundary wall of the Upazila Health Complex needs to be removed as early as possible. It has become harmful to the health of patients, staffs, locals and general public. He demanded the immediate removal of the garbage dump to ensure a better environment in the surrounding area of the health complex.
Shailkupa Municipality Administrator and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Snigdha Das said they are going to remove the wastes and the garbage dump within a short time to ease the sufferings of people of the area.