By
Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
Accra, Dec. 3, GNA-
Government would spend US$43 million World Bank credit facility for the
construction of a sanitary landfill facility, two Transfer Stations and cap two
major dump-sites at Abokobi and Agbogbloshie.
Madam Cecilia Abena
Dapaah, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, who announced this at a
media briefing in Accra on Tuesday, said the financing of those projects was
captured under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project
(GARID) of the solid waste component.
Additionally, she
said, under the GARID and the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and
Livelihoods Improvement Project (GASSLIP), effective and sustainable
community-based solid waste collection system would be introduced in low income
communities within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and Water
Project.
The Minister said
the beneficiary assemblies under the project would be supported with waste
management equipment to enhance their capacities for effective work.
As part of measures
to address the waste infrastructure challenge, the Minister said, government
had begun intensive negotiation to re-engineer the Kpone Landfill Site in Accra
and Oti Landfill Site in Kumasi, while similar interventions would be undertaken
in Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale respectively.
To ensure strict
adherence to the various national and local sanitation laws and regulations,
the Minister said, government has initiated the process of putting together a
comprehensive consolidated sanitation laws to serve as the primary reference
document for preparation of local bye-laws that would enhance successful
prosecution of sanitation offenders.
“So whilst
government is looking at bridging the infrastructure gap, we must also
appreciate the huge financial outlay required to provide the needed
socio-economic amenities in the sanitation and water sub-sector.
“You would agree
with me that government alone cannot do it through the yearly budgetary
allocations, hence the creation of an enabling environment for the private
sector and development partners, to assist government bridge the yawning
funding deficit,” the Minister said.
Madam Abena Dapaah
re-affirmed government’s commitment to continue formulating and implementing
policies aimed at maintaining good health and the general wellbeing of
Ghanaians, as well as prosecute recalcitrant persons that litter the
environment and pollute water bodies.
She said the
Ministry would soon introduce segregated litter bins to enable the separation
of solid waste and organic materials, while efforts are being made to generate
energy from waste.
The Minister said
plans were far advanced for the establishment of National Sanitation Authority
to ensure the effective coordination and management of sanitation related issues.
“So if you’re a
young lady, don’t marry a man who does not have a lavatory in his home, There
is no romance in queuing at a public toilet,” the Minister advised.
Madam Abena Dapaah
gave the assurance that President’s vision of making Accra the cleanest city in
Africa is on course and this required the support of all Ghanaians.
“Attitudinal change
is what we require and this calls for urgent need of all key stakeholders like
you the media to constantly educate the public on the right attitudes and behaviours,”
the Minister added.
GNA
