Bawaleshie engages in clean up
The state of sanitation in Accra is currently very unsatisfactory.
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The city is characterised by choked drains, indiscriminate waste disposal and uncollected refuse in waste containers, many of which are left standing for days on end.
Many factors account for this state of affairs, among which are lack of adequate public waste disposal bins, ignorance and irresponsibility on the part of individuals, households and communities, unconcerned attitude of communities, increasing numbers of squatters, indiscriminate hawking and the springing up of unauthorised temporary structures.
Waste Management
On a daily basis, the people of Accra generate between 1,500 and 1,800 tonnes of waste. Of this quantity, an average of 1,200 tonnes is collected daily. The uncollected waste finds its way into drainage systems and other open spaces. There have been several plans announced by the city authorities to turn the waste into compost, unfortunately not much has been achieved in this direction.
Bawaleshie community
Under the circumstances some members of the Bawaleshie community, near East Legon, Accra, in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, led by their Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Emmanuel Kwabena Kyeremanteng Agyarko, have decided to do something about the situation and have, therefore, initiated a monthly clean-up exercise to rid the town of filth and ensure a healthy environment.
The exercise took off early this month and is expected to become a regular feature. The clean-up occasions will also be used to create awareness on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a disease-free community.
Over 400 participants took part in the exercise and desilted choked drains and gutters and also weeded and cleared the community of filth.
According to the MP, the motive for instituting the clean-up programme was to ensure that the community was clean always.
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After the last clean up, a health screening exercise was also held to check the health status of the people.
Mr Agyarko said the screening helped in exposing concealed health problems some members of the community had. He said those with serious cases were referred to hospital for further attention.