The recent outbreak of cholera in parts of Accra has been linked to the deteriorating waste management and sanitation situation in the capital.
In a major initiative to stem the recent cholera outbreak, President Mahama has instructed the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Julius Debrah, to immediately embark on a major cleanup campaign.
Accra and it’s environs have seen a growing number of garbage dump sites on several street corners, posing a public health threat to several communities.
The Vice President Kwesi Amissah Arthur in a bid to ensure that the work is done will be visiting the dump sites. The cleanup exercise will be undertaken by the Accra Metropolitan assembly and will cover 18 dumpsites. The Vice President is scheduled to visit the Agbobloshie, ICGC, and Kokomlemle dump sites immediately.
The closure of the only landfill site in Accra a couple of months ago has led to indiscriminate dumping of waste, and coupled with the recent rainfalls, has created ideal conditions for the spreading of cholera.
“We are determined to preventing the cholera outbreak from spreading and will do so by ensuring that those responsible for waste collection and disposal do their job.
In La, 197 people reported sick for cholera, 20 of which have died.
The Minister also spoke about the Ministry’s plan for a long-term communications campaign aimed at encouraging attitudinal change on the part of the citizenry. “Our efforts at resolving this problem will not gain much traction without the involvement of people. We will use communications to educate them on the right thing and constant reminders will affect people’s behavior”, he is quoted as saying.
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