Authorities in Gulu City have released funds to resume garbage collection in Bardege-Layibi Division, offering relief to residents and traders who have endured months of poor sanitation and heightened health risks.
The worst-affected area has been the waste dumping site at Alot Market, commonly known as Cuk Alot, where garbage had remained uncollected for nearly seven months. The site, located near residential homes, became a growing concern for the community, particularly with the onset of the rainy season.
Traders at the busy market said the situation had severely affected their businesses and daily livelihoods. Acayo Prossy, a vendor at the market, described the conditions as unbearable.
“The smell was too much, and many customers stopped coming. Our sales dropped because people could not stay near the market for long,” she said.
Residents also raised concerns about public health and safety, warning that the accumulated waste posed significant risks, especially to children and nearby households. Mark Malkom, a local resident, noted that rainfall further aggravated the situation.
“When it rained, dirty water flowed into nearby areas. We kept reporting to the authorities, but nothing was done for months,” he said.
Responding to public concerns, Layibi Division Mayor Patrick Lumumba acknowledged the delay, attributing it to budgetary constraints.
He confirmed that the division has now received funding from Gulu City to restart waste collection operations.
“We experienced financial challenges, but funds have now been released. Garbage collection has resumed in several areas, and Cuk Alot is among the priority sites to be cleared,” Lumumba said.
He urged residents and traders to support sanitation efforts by disposing of waste responsibly, warning that indiscriminate dumping undermines public health and increases the risk of disease outbreaks.
Community members say they are cautiously optimistic that the renewed funding and resumed collection will provide a lasting solution to the sanitation crisis and restore a safe trading and living environment.
