The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered the closure of Dukes Fuel Station at Kasoa Second Bus Stop in the Central Region over sanitation concerns following the discovery of choked drains in front of the facility, which authorities say have contributed to flooding along the highway.
The action formed part of an ongoing clean-up exercise conducted on July 10 to improve environmental sanitation and help prevent flooding within the municipality.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Friday, the Kasoa Area Head of the EPA, Mr Abbas Dawood, said an inspection revealed that drains along the front of the fuel station were blocked, causing water to overflow onto the main road during rainfall and creating challenges for both motorists and pedestrians.
According to him, officials found the station operating while the drainage problem remained unresolved.
Following the inspection, the Assembly directed the immediate closure of the facility pending the desilting of the drains and the resolution of the identified sanitation concerns.
"We assessed the area and found that all the drains were choked, causing water to overflow. We want residents, shops and businesses to take responsibility for environmental sanitation to help reduce flooding in Kasoa," Mr Dawood said.
He noted that the EPA and the Assembly would continue to enforce environmental sanitation regulations to encourage compliance among businesses and residents.
"We will also close other businesses that fail to desilt the drains in front of their premises. This is necessary, and we will meet with the management to discuss the way forward," he added.
The EPA said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to improve sanitation standards and reduce the risk of flooding in Kasoa and surrounding communities, particularly during the rainy season.
