If you follow Facebook or other social media platforms, you would be tempted to believe that Port Harcourt, once the garden city of highlife, is now the refuse capital of Nigeria.
Those who now berate Port Harcourt’s image may have a big point. From whatever point you enter the city; from Eleme on your way from Uyo and Calabar; from Aba into Oyigbo; from Choba on your way from Warri; or into Rumokoro from Owerri, you will get a ‘warm’ welcome from heaps of refuse, and some ‘warm’ stench.
Before now, Port Harcourt competed in the ‘Cleanest City’ category in Nigeria along with Minna and Owerri. Now, it may be competing in the dirtiest city category.
Records say “Port Harcourt earned its legendary title as Nigeria’s ‘Garden City’ through its lush tree-lined streets, peaceful neighbourhoods, and vibrant recreational spaces.”
Green spaces were evident; “And the city was historically celebrated for its well-maintained parks, quiet residential layouts, and fresh air coming off the creeks.”
