Kaduna Scavengers Turn Sewage Dump into Thriving Manure Business

In a surprising turn of events, a group of scavengers in Kaduna has transformed a designated sewage dump site into a lucrative business venture, generating manure from decomposed sewage for agricultural use. This innovative initiative has not only provided a source of livelihood for the scavengers but also promoted environmental sustainability.

Located in the Katanga Community of Chikun Local Government Area, the sewage dump site has been converted into a thriving business hub, with over 150 scavengers engaged in the venture. The scavengers, led by Mallam Zubairu, have established a leadership structure to ensure orderliness and efficiency in their operations.

According to Mallam Zubairu, the scavengers discovered the profitable business over three years ago, when they were forced to flee their farms due to bandit attacks. Today, they generate not less than N8,000 for a truckload of manure, paying N1,000 as tax to the local authority.

Mallam Suleiman Kawosu, another scavenger, travels over 70 kilometers from Zaria to participate in the business. He sells a truckload of manure for not less than N10,000, which enables him to feed and support his family of nine children.

While the business has brought economic empowerment to the scavengers, environmentalists have raised concerns about the health and environmental implications of the venture. Gloria Kasang Bulus, an environmentalist and convener of the tour to the site, noted that the scavengers neglect health measures while handling the sewage, and some parts of the sewage are being burnt, contrary to environmental precautions.

The team also visited Tudun Illu in Kaduna North Local Government, where a large illegal waste dump site is located near residential areas and the Central Market. Alhaji Bala Illu, a chief in the area, complained that the unapproved dump site has existed for years, causing environmental hazards and recently leading to a fire incident at a nearby primary school.

Climate experts, including Gloria Kasang Bulus and Zinta Istifanus, lamented the existence of refuse dumps in residential areas, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to global environmental best practices.

The tour to the sewage dump sites, organized by Bridge That Gap Initiative, aimed to provide journalists and environmentalists with firsthand information on environmental and climate change issues, enabling them to report on these issues and advocate for better practices.