By: Staff Contributer
we received a summons to gather and tidy up our neighborhood at the crack of dawn, with the promise of 2000 birr for those who chose to ignore the call. One might expect that such an incentive would rally the community into action, yet the reality was quite different. While a number of residents did emerge, many were more interested in idle chatter and lounging about than actually contributing to the cleanup. It was amusing to observe that despite the collective effort, the compound hardly appeared transformed; remnants of glass still littered the ground, a stark reminder of the work left undone.
Living in a condominium, one might assume that residents would exhibit a certain level of civility, but that assumption often proves misguided. It's baffling to witness individuals tossing used diapers from the upper floors, as if common decency has been thrown out with the trash. While the occasional candy wrapper or paper might slip through the cracks, the deliberate disposal of such unsightly refuse raises questions about the mindset of some residents. The frequent discovery of glass shards and sharp objects scattered about suggests a troubling trend, especially with so many children playing unsupervised in the area.
It seems that people are more concerned with pulling weeds than addressing the real hazards present, such as shards of glass, razor blades, and nails. In a place filled with such dangerous debris, focusing on weeds feels like a misplaced priority. I've noticed this tendency in other areas as well, where attention is diverted to minor issues while significant dangers are overlooked.
Just yesterday, I found out that one of my son's friends was running around with a syringe needle. This incident occurred in the morning, but I only learned about it later in the day. Luckily, someone noticed and managed to take the needles away from him. Hearing about this situation left me frustrated. Who would be careless enough to leave needles lying around in a space filled with children? I've encountered razors, broken glass, and other sharp objects in the same area before, and it always raises concerns about the lack of responsibility in disposing of such hazardous items. The potential consequences are serious; what if that boy had contracted HIV, hepatitis, or other diseases? It's crucial for everyone to be more vigilant and prioritize safety over trivial matters to protect our children.
I have been pondering the various reasons why these items end up on the floor. It seems unlikely that people are intentionally discarding them; perhaps they simply fall out of bags or get misplaced during garbage collection. I want to give those involved in waste management the benefit of the doubt, as they might be doing their best in a challenging situation. Children often spend their days playing freely in the compound without adult supervision. Parents find it challenging to constantly monitor their kids, especially when they have younger siblings to care for and household chores that demand their attention. After a long day of outdoor play, the kids inevitably get hungry, prompting parents to prepare meals for them.
Alternatively, keeping children indoors for extended periods can lead to its own set of challenges for both parents and kids. In moments of frustration, parents may resort to using electronic devices to keep their children entertained, while kids, feeling cooped up, might act out or dash around the house in tight spaces instead of enjoying the freedom of open areas. When I brought the issue up to one of the committee members, she responded with, "What can we do? How can we know who's responsible?" While she raises a valid concern, I believe the committee should take proactive steps to address the issue.