Opinion: Sewage problems in Lowndes County are unacceptable, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not the solution

Sewage problems plague Lowndes County, Alabama, in a dire situation that requires urgent attention for the reprehensible conditions faced by its residents. A United Nations official who visited the county in 2017 documented this crisis, highlighting a shocking sewage issue that caused widespread alarm. Singularly unique and strikingly unexpected, the situation is unprecedented, with a startlingly high incidence of infection by parasitic hookworm, a disease typically eradicated in developed nations but still afflicting impoverished communities.

Media coverage of the sewage and water crisis in Lowndes has been ongoing for decades, painting a grim picture of the dire circumstances facing residents. Numerous outlets, including The Guardian, The New York Times, and CBS News, have reported extensively on the raw sewage contamination, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate wastewater management plaguing the county. State agencies, legislative bodies, and the governor’s office have been criticized for neglecting infrastructure funding in predominantly Black counties, exacerbating the environmental and health risks faced by vulnerable populations.

A 2021 investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice found that a staggering 80% of Lowndes County residents lacked reliable sewage services, leading to punitive measures against those unable to afford septic systems. Despite paying their taxes, including property and gas taxes, residents have been left to grapple with basic needs neglected by state authorities. Even when confronted with complaints and reports of recurring illness outbreaks, the Alabama Department of Public Health failed to address the urgent need for improved sanitation and wastewater services.

The DOJ stepped in to address the long-standing inadequacies in infrastructure and wastewater management by entering into an agreement with the ADPH two years ago. However, the Trump administration abruptly terminated this vital agreement, deeming it unfair under the guise of “DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). The decision to halt efforts to rectify decades of discriminatory policies met with rightful indignation, as the need for environmental justice in Lowndes County remains critical to safeguarding the well-being of its residents.

The dismissal of the agreement reflects a broader disregard for the plight of marginalized communities across the country, showcasing a lack of empathy and a misplaced focus on arbitrary criteria over human dignity. The termination of efforts to address environmental injustices perpetuates systemic inequalities and undermines the fundamental rights of citizens who deserve better treatment.

The refusal to prioritize environmental justice and infrastructural improvements in Lowndes County underscores a troubling pattern of neglect and discrimination that must be addressed promptly and effectively. Regardless of political rhetoric or administrative decisions, the urgency of resolving the sewage crisis in Lowndes cannot be overstated, given its detrimental impact on public health and quality of life. The need for equitable and sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental risks and ensure access to basic services remains paramount for the welfare of all communities, especially those facing systemic neglect and environmental hazards.