AIR POLLUTION: DUSTY ROADS CONTINUE TO THREATEN THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS LIVING ALONG ROADSIDES AROUND HONIARA

Residents living along the roadside in areas such as Rove, Tandai, and Town Ground are urging authorities to address the issue of excessive dust from the unpaved and paved roads, which is causing significant air pollution around Honiara.

The constant dust exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for the children who live in these homes. Breathing of road dust can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung infections.

For adults, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, dust particles can trigger severe breathing difficulties and increase the likelihood of developing chronic respiratory diseases. Children are even more vulnerable due to their developing lungs and immune systems, making them prone to allergies and more serious conditions like pneumonia.

Prolonged exposure to dust can also cause eye irritation, skin rashes, and even affect cardiovascular health, which is why immediate action is essential to safeguard the well-being of these families.

The issue of dusty roads is not new to Honiara, with residents in the eastern parts of the city raising similar concerns in 2023, also pleading with authorities to address the growing health and environmental hazards caused by air pollution from unpaved or paved roads.

This ongoing issue has been affecting the western parts of the city for some time now, now residents are fed up with the ignorance of authorities and are calling for immediate intervention. From the Honiara City Council to the elected members of their constituency, it seems that those in charge have failed to prioritize this pressing issue.

Residents are demanding that something be done immediately to mitigate the health risks, especially as the dust continues to impact children and vulnerable community members. Their patience has worn thin, and they are urging authorities to take responsibility and implement lasting solutions.

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