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.’
This must be earned from the flowers in the now Old GRA and the well-ordered streets in the Aggrey area of old Township. Now, most of those trees or former flowers now appear to be threats to buildings. There seems to be no replacement and replanting system as part of urban planning.
It is always said that older residents remember an era defined by slow evening strolls, friendly neighbourhoods, and a tranquil pace of life; this was before rapid industrialization.
There were iconic leisure spots, topped by the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach located in the old township of Borokiri. Residents trooped into this place on public holidays and at weekends. Port Harcourt Tourist Beach was established along the Kolabi Creek in 1988, and was once a bustling weekend destination for live traditional music, picnicking, and boat rides.
It died a long time ago, only to be recently replaced by the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, a modern, expansive open-air facility featuring lakes, fitness trails, and family entertainment. The place seems to rekindle the memories of leisure and picnics. Most weekends these days, crowds swarm into the Park on Aba Road, lapping up every inch of entertainment they can find.
Port Harcourt people love open-air dining, an open ravish of dress and bonding that reflects the cultural lineages that cluster to create the vibe of the Garden City.
This snowballs into a local flavour and lifestyle that make Port Harcourt unique; what with evening outings traditionally involving relaxing with fresh palm wine or enjoying the city’s famous street-side roasted plantain and fish, a delicacy known as bole.
The city is also indicated as blending a bustling maritime and petroleum economy with a relaxed, welcoming social scene.
Now, what the city offers seems to be mountains of refuse from all angles. Vultures and other ugly birds arrive for a feast every now and then.
The Govt House says it discharges its monthly financial obligation. The Ministry of Environment says it’s the agency responsible for the evacuation of rubbish that may be holding the state capital hostage. Many say this is a sign of a system in an almost comatose state.