Located just 17 kilometers from Gagnoa in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire, the town of Ouragahio is experiencing a major environmental crisis. The massive accumulation of household waste is disfiguring the town, exasperating residents, and posing a serious threat to public health. This alarming situation was observed on the ground on Friday, July 3, 2026.

A daily life suffocated by garbage and stench.

A simple walk through the streets of Ouragahio reveals the scale of the disaster. From main intersections to the areas around shops, and even on the doorsteps of homes, mountains of trash have taken over public spaces. Plastic bags, food scraps, and bottles are piled up in the open air. In the sweltering heat or after every downpour, these makeshift dumps emit nauseating odors that have become unbearable for residents.

The local waste management system is clearly overwhelmed. Due to a lack of regular collection, garbage bins overflow onto sidewalks and roads, turning residents' routines into a real ordeal.

The frustration and incomprehension of local residents

Faced with this continued deterioration of their living environment, anger and concern are growing among the residents, who are demanding accountability and action.

1. A feeling of abandonment: "We live with these mountains of garbage under our windows. When it rains, the waste scatters right up to our houses. We feel like we've been forgotten," laments a resident who admits she can no longer eat in peace because of the smells.
2. Fear for the children: Ms. N'Guessan, another resident, is raising the alarm: "We simply want to live in a clean environment. The bad smells are intolerable and we fear for our children's health. The authorities must act quickly."
3. A need for transparency: For Djédjé, the municipality must clarify the situation: "Who is actually in charge of garbage collection in Ouragahio? Why this lack of regularity? The people want to understand, but above all, see concrete actions."

Red alert from healthcare professionals

Beyond the aesthetic and olfactory nuisance, this environmental crisis represents an immediate health hazard. Dr. Seka Jean Marius , head physician of the Ouragahio Urban Health Center, is categorical: these accumulations of waste are veritable time bombs.

"The accumulation of waste creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes, flies, and rodents. This significantly increases cases of malaria and diarrheal diseases. Unsanitary conditions are a direct factor in the deterioration of public health."

The practitioner is calling for an immediate collective response. Without urgent intervention from local authorities and relevant services, the municipality's health facilities risk facing a surge in consultations related to environmental illnesses.

The urgent call for a sustainable solution

To get Ouragahio out of this impasse, the population's expectations are clear and urgent:

1. A drastic increase in the frequency of collections ;
2. The installation of collection points adapted to the volume of waste produced by the municipality;
3. The implementation of a sustainable sanitation policy to prevent future overflows.

The unsanitary conditions in Ouragahio are no longer simply a matter of cleanliness; they have become a social and health emergency. Every additional day of inaction worsens a situation that is already barely tolerable. The municipal authorities are expected to take action.