Poor Drainage and Garbage collection in Mombasa has become more of a problem By Moses AWUOR

 Poor drainage and garbage collection are significant challenges faced in Mombasa county. These issues contribute to various environmental and health problems within the city. Here's a closer look at the problems especially environmental ones 

Poor Drainage:

Mombasa, being a coastal city, experiences heavy rainfall in some times of the year from April to August and from September to December. However, the drainage system is inadequate and often fails to cope with the volume of water, leading to frequent flooding in low-lying areas. 

Poorly designed or clogged drainage channels and insufficient maintenance exacerbate the problem.The poor drainage system at times derails transport as some of the roads get filled with flood water. The waters erode the roads especially the highway, it also weakens the buildings making them.have a weaker base hence posing a life risk. This at long run costs heavily on the county expenses. The flooded water will also pose a health problem as diseases such as Malaria, Typhoid  and even dengue fever will be widely affected the daily routine of the residents. The stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the proliferation of water borne diseases. Disruption of daily life: Flooding disrupts transportation systems, causing traffic congestion and delays. Some roads are blocked by the heavy volumes of the flood water paralyzing the transport system and leading to increase in the Matatu fares. .

It also hampers access to essential services like healthcare and education

 County government in conjunction with the national government should invest in upgrading and expanding the drainage systems to handle increased water flow adequately. This includes the construction of larger drains,maintenance of the existing channels and clearing of the blockages.

Garbage Collection:

Mombasa faces challenges related to garbage collection, disposal, and management. Some of the key issues are:

Insufficient waste management infrastructure: Inadequate waste collection vehicles, 

limited recycling facilities, and a lack of landfill capacity contribute to the accumulation of garbage in the city.

 Improper waste disposal: Many residents resort to illegal dumping, throwing garbage into open spaces, drainage channels, and water bodies due to the absence of proper waste collection services. 

This worsens the drainage problem and pollutes the environment.Health and environmental risks: Accumulated garbage attracts pests, such as rats and flies, which spread diseases. The decomposition of organic waste produces foul odors and harmful gases, impacting air quality.Efforts to address the garbage collection problem:

Improved waste management infrastructure: Investment in waste collection vehicles, establishment of recycling plants, and construction of sanitary landfills are essential to improve garbage collection and disposal.

Public participation and education: Creating awareness about waste segregation, recycling, and responsible waste disposal practices can encourage residents to play an active role in keeping the city clean. Community clean-up drives and campaigns can help promote a sense of ownership and pride among residents.Addressing the drainage and garbage collection issues in Mombasa requires concerted efforts from the government, local authorities, and the community. By investing in infrastructure, raising public awareness, and implementing effective waste management strategies, the city can work towards a cleaner and healthier environment