Stagnant Gutter – A Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes

Image is mine

I recently went to stay over at my aunt's place. Since I got there, there hasn't been much pollution, like noise pollution from generators or clubs or even churches, because the compound is away from any major roads and the vast land was used mostly for residence. I also noticed a lot of land pollution. I guess because they have workers that clean up roads regularly in the morning.

The major pollution problem in that area is air pollution.
There are two major causes of this air pollution.
Somewhere around the house, there is some kind of large-scale poultry that keeps oozing.
But it isn't so close to the house so you only perceive it when passing close or the horrible smell was carried all the way from where ever the poultry.

Now, the second one is a huge problem and also poses a potential great danger to every resident who resides in my aunt's area.

The gutters in the area aren't normally blocked or filled with waste, so they flow all right.

But following this gutter leads to some sort of gutter right in the middle of the area. I think it was probably a backup septic tank that was later abandoned. I don't really understand why the gutter is connected to it though.

To make matters worse, their water tank and main tap are situated directly beside this gutter and are also a supply of water.
The water that stays there hardly dries up and thus has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The residents aren't helping out either as that place has now become their decomposable waste bin. They pour all sorts of dirty water in there. One of the women one day poured spoilt food into the gutter.
Because of this, the odor mixed up is killing.
I think the main problem comes from the architecture

Apparently, the gutter has always been like that.

And it has bad effects on the surroundings
Foul smell: it emits a pungent smell affecting daily life; sometimes when I pass by, I feel the food in my stomach looking for an escape back up.

One thing people in the area seemed to not know is how dangerous mosquitoes are.

Another thing I fear is the kind of airborne diseases. Not to speak of the unpleasant sight.

I am aware that ever since there have been no measures taken

The rightful authorities, like the landlords, have totally ignored the problem. I don't even think the compound has made Any complaints because everyone seems to have adapted and found different ways to manage it.

For example, my aunty uses all means possible to fight off these mosquitoes; she uses mosquito nets, insecticides, and mosquito repellent creams.

The proper thing to do would be to maybe fill and cover the gutter with cement or make the drainage system better

But no I don't think that will be happening anytime soon.
Because the landlords are only concentrated on making more money and since they do not live together with their tenants they do not mind anything.

That's just life for you. Those with power neglect those under them. So you corruption in the high places affects everything. Including pollution.

Thanks for reading ❤️