By Bill W. Cooper
Kakata, the bustling capital city of Margibi County, is said to be facing major crisis as the city has now turned into a filthy mess due to the lack of a city mayor to ensure the cleanliness and beautification of the city.
The streets, according to information emanating from Margibi, are now being overrun with stockpiles of garbage, creating unhealthy environments for residents and visitors alike including travelers among others.
Information had it that the absence of a city mayor has also left a leadership vacuum in Kakata City, leading to a breakdown in essential services such as waste management and ensuring citizens’ orderliness.
As a result, the once clean and orderly streets of the city are now littered with piles of trash, creating an eyesore and a breeding ground for pests and diseases, with citizens selling in the dirt thus attributing the situation to the alleged failure of the government to appoint a Mayor.
Recently, President Joseph Boakai nominated Gbargawo Eddie Sayboe as the Mayor of Kakata City, but his nomination, along with others, was rejected, requiring a resubmission of a new list of nominees for consideration.
However, the President appointed an acting City Mayor, Emmett Richardson, who has also been heavily criticized for his inability to address the growing issues of dirt and waste management in the city.
Residents of Kakata City are now growing increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating conditions of their city, and asserted that the delay in appointing a capable leader has contributed to the neglect and deterioration of their city cleanliness.
“It is a shame to see our beautiful city reduced to this state of filth, and the stench is so unbearable, and we are worried about the health risks posed by these huge stockpile of garbage on several streets,” Foday Massaquoi, a street seller narrated.
According to him, the lack of a city mayor has also had a negative impact on their businesses and local economy as a whole, disclosing that shop owners and business operators in Kakata have all reported a decline in customers due to the unsightly conditions of the streets.
He added, “No one wants to come to a city that is covered with garbage or very stink and this is a serious situation that is greatly affecting our livelihoods and the overall prosperity of Kakata city.”
Ma Martha, another businesswoman said, “Efforts to address the garbage crisis in Kakata City have been hampered by the absence and the refusal of President Boakai to appoint our new city mayor.”
“So, the city council, which is responsible for overseeing waste management services has been unable to take decisive action without a leader to guide them. As a result, the garbage continues to pile up, creating a public health hazard that threatens our well-being,” she added.
Meanwhile, despite the presence of an acting mayor, concerned citizens have threatens to take matters into their own hands by organizing clean-up campaigns which will then witnessed volunteers working tirelessly to clear the streets of garbage.
They however warned that once the initiative commences, they will ensure that no government officials will have access to their city until the government addresses their concerns.
