By Stoic
Residents of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall's Alumni block have decried the recurrent sewage water leakage in front of their block.
This issue poses serious health and environmental risks to residents of the hall, especially those living in the alumni block.
Our correspondent observed on Monday that the sewage water was coming from around the fence that demarcates Zik from Indy. One of the residents, on taking a close look at the wet ground, made a remark that “it is actually sewage water that is coming out of the ground... no wonder this place is smelling.”
Another alumni block resident interviewed by Zik Press was more forthcoming. According to him, the smell is actually very tormenting. He also noted that efforts to make the air breathable only bring temporary succour.
“The fact that the smell enters the room even with air fresheners and all is crazy. It comes and goes. Right now, there's a little peace, but... It's just for a while.”
When asked if they reached out to anyone, he said, “We didn't really reach out to anyone since most of us arrive very late from class. I don't know about others, but I'm mostly tired, so…”
It must be noted that this is not the first time an issue like this will happen as in the previous session as sewage water from the neighbouring Indy hall always flows into Zik hall.
“We are working on it.” — Sotomi Daniel
In an interview with the hall chairman, Sotomi Daniel, he revealed that he went there as soon as it was brought to his attention and that he also involved the hall warden, Dr Okunlade Adelekan, immediately.
“So, we went there at midnight to check for the source. And then we found out that it is coming from Indy. And if it were coming out of Zik Hall, I think we would have found something to do with it before we informed the management. But it is coming from Indy.”
“So, to avoid the unnecessary back and forth, tantrums, the waste, etc. So, I called the warden that night. And I said they would come and check it this morning. There are people that can solve the issue. But throughout the day, I had class throughout. I was unable to check back if they had done it or not,” he continued.
“But it is good that we know where it is actually coming from. Like whose waste it is. Maybe it is from the shop, or it is coming from somewhere, or it is a pipe that is leaking. Because it is not a permanent thing. Maybe it is a pipe that is supposed to be carrying waste outside that is leaking. So that they can fix it. Because it is very, very important. The smell there from where we were yesterday [Monday] is not it at all. Other than the fact that the place is wet. The smell is not it. And it is not hygienic for people staying at the alumni block and other parts of the hall.”
He further promised that the matter will be resolved as soon as possible.
Risk of Contamination
The sewage water leakage at the alumni block also raises concerns about further contamination of the Halls supply of Awba Dam water. As it turns out, there is a waterlogged juncture close to the area of the sewage leak that seems to be leaking as well. A pit close to the area of the leak constantly fills up with water when Awba dam water is being pumped to the tanks behind B block. Some residents have postulated that it might be from the water pumping from Awba dam.
When the Hall chairman was asked about this, he did not disagree. He even agreed with this notion. In his words, I think there is water pumping around that area. Because I just heard one sound coming from one of the houses. I think when Awba Dam pumps, it pumps around that side too.
When asked if he thought Zikites should be concerned about the Awba dam water mixing with the sewage water, he responded in the negative.
“They should not. I am not saying that [the issue of Awba Dam water leakage] is not important. It is very important. That's why I said it is very important that we even tackle that one [sewage water leakage] before we even tackle the issue of Awba Dam water leaking.”
“Even if Awba Dam water is not leaking, it is not hygienic. The smell that is coming out from that place is not hygienic. If it is somebody that has asthma or some breathing disease, it is not conducive for the person at all. So, that is why I called the warden immediately,” he concluded.
