Fatshimetrie | In Uganda, the death toll from a landfill collapse in Kampala has risen to 34, with many residents and homes in the Kiteezi area buried under a massive amount of waste following heavy rains.
The landslide occurred on Saturday, August 9, and rescue operations are ongoing, with 35 people still missing.
The collapse is believed to have been triggered by heavy rains.
The Kiteezi landfill is located on a steep slope in a poor part of the city.
Women and children who collect plastic waste for a living frequently congregate there, and some homes have been built near the dumpsite.
For years, Kampala authorities have been considering closing the site and developing a larger area outside the city for waste management.
It is unclear why this plan has not been implemented since 2016.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an investigation into the incident.
The Kiteezi landfill collapse in Kampala highlights the challenges faced by residents of poor neighbourhoods when it comes to waste management. The tragic consequences of this disaster underscore the urgent need for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The situation also highlights the need for effective urban planning to ensure the safety of residents and environmental sustainability. It is imperative that local authorities take concrete steps to improve waste management and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Finally, this incident raises questions about the accountability of authorities for public safety and environmental protection. It is essential that measures are taken to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities and preserve the integrity of the environment in the future.