“The waste pile has, over the years, served as manure for farmers, and some even cultivate on it because they believe the soil is fertile after over a decade of dumping. However, it is harmful to our health. The smoke from burning refuse and the persistent foul odour cause serious discomfort, especially for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. It is not appropriate for a major dumpsite to be located within a residential community. There should be better and safer ways of managing waste without exposing residents to these risks.”
This was Nurse Nalan’s voice sighting the possible benefits of a large portion of government land located in the Zawan community converted to a dirt dump site for what seems to be the whole city of Jos under government approval, while also highlighting the possible health implications many people have suffered from.
For years, accumulated waste at a major dumpsite in the Zawan community, Jos, has served as an informal source of manure for local farmers. Some farmers deliberately cultivate crops within and around the waste heap, citing its perceived soil fertility after over a decade of continuous refuse deposition. However, this practice has raised serious public health concerns among residents.
The burning of waste at the site releases thick smoke into the surrounding environment, while persistent foul odours have created discomfort for residents. These conditions are particularly hazardous for individuals with asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Community members affirmed that situating a large municipal dumpsite within a residential area poses significant risks and reflects poor waste management practices. Many believe that more sustainable and safer waste disposal systems should be implemented to prevent ongoing exposure to environmental hazards.
Community Voices Highlight Health Risks
Speaking on the issue, Nurse Nalan acknowledged the perceived agricultural benefits of the dumpsite but emphasised its severe health implications.
She noted that the site, located on a large expanse of government-owned land in Zawan, has effectively become a central dumping ground for waste across Jos, reportedly with government approval. Despite its utility to some farmers, she stressed that the environmental and health consequences experienced by residents cannot be overlooked.
Located in an area locally referred to as “Bola,” the dumpsite is described by residents as one of the largest in Jos. According to community members, the site has been in existence since the administration of former Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong.
Originally not designated for waste disposal, the land spanning over a hectare has since been almost entirely overtaken by accumulated refuse. However, a major concern is the dumpsite’s proximity to a major river that supplies water to the Jos Water Services Corporation. This river serves as a source for water treatment and distribution across the city.
According to the World Health Organisation, contaminated water and poor sanitation are closely linked to the transmission of diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.
Residents fear that leachate from the waste site could seep into the water supply, posing long-term health risks to consumers.
However, in a free chat with one of the staff at the Jos Water Service Corporation, Mr AA who preferred to remain anonymous, clarified that the water being generated is not used for consumption immediately, but is being sent to the site where it will be properly treated before final distribution across the city. He further explained that the government is already looking to sort out the dumpsite, and he believes it will be all sorted out soon.
“The government are working on getting the site cleared and soon there will be a change”
Despite the dangers, some farmers continue to rely on the dumpsite for agricultural activities. Mr. Joseph, a maize farmer who works on the site annually, admitted he is aware of the health risks but feels compelled to continue due to economic constraints. He explained that the high cost of fertilizer—estimated at ₦60,000 per bag—makes it financially impossible for him to maintain his farm through conventional means. For a productive planting season, he requires at least ten bags. Faced with limited income from maize sales, he says he has no viable alternative.
“I know the health risks, but I cannot stop. Sometimes I cover my face and hands while working, but I understand that my health is at risk. Still, I have no choice,” he said.
Madam Janet, a shop owner whose business is located directly opposite the dumpsite, expressed concern over the environmental impact. She noted that beyond health risks, the presence of the dumpsite has significantly reduced the sanitary quality of the area due to persistent waste accumulation and strong odours.
Similarly, Mr. Moses, who lives and works in a nearby forestry area, confirmed that waste collection vehicles regularly transport refuse from different parts of the city to the site.
“Sometimes they dump the refuse and leave without burning it. Other times they burn it. It hasn’t been burned for about two weeks now, and farmers have started clearing spaces for planting,” he said.
PEPSA Not Responsible For Waste Management Gaps in Zawan
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency is the government agency responsible for waste management and environmental sanitation in Plateau State. The condition of the Zawan dumpsite has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of waste management systems in the area.
While PEPSA operations appear active in central parts of Jos—such as Terminus and other major routes, this area in Zawan raises questions whether similar attention is being given to outlying communities.
Mrs Naomi Longman, the director of waste management PEPSA, pointed out that the Plateau state government have two authorised government-approved dumpsites where they use for waste evacuation. Located at Miango in Bassa LGA and one in Jos South. However, one of these places is currently used as mass burial for victims of war and displacement who have nobody to clear them, hence an illegal dumpsite is currently being used.
She further mentioned that the illegal dumpsite is well barricaded and ensures that the location is not within the habitation of people to prevent health issues. While emphasising that the disposal of refuse and accumulation of dirt over a long period in Zawan hail from the community and not the government's fault.
“The area is developing now, and soon PEPSA will be called to come and evacuate the dirt again because it is the government land, but the source of this accumulation of dirt, which now looks like a dumpsite, is solely from the community”
“We at PEPSA are doing our best, and we will continue to do our best, providing all necessary tools and appliances for those in need of partnership during sanitation, but the perfect result still depends on each community and their leaders”
Ultimately, the situation at the Zawan dumpsite highlights a deeper challenge beyond government intervention alone, one that calls for shared responsibility between authorities and residents. While the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency maintains that efforts are ongoing despite structural limitations, the visible state of waste accumulation in developing areas like Zawan underscores the urgent need for more inclusive and consistent sanitation strategies.