TMA resolves to address sewer challenges
The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has reiterated its resolve to pursue a master plan to restore the old and damaged sewer systems in the metropolis.
Advertisement
The master plan, when implemented, will bring to a halt the continuous flow of effluent onto the streets and the blockage of drains, which has been a nuisance and poses a health hazard to residents of Tema.
As part of its resolve, the assembly is presently replacing old sewer lines in a number of communities.
The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Ashia Odamtten, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tema.
The interview comes at the back of a recent sewer burst at the Tema Community One Central Market, which affected businesses and other trading activities for some days.
Weak Sewer System
The Tema central sewerage system, which was constructed over 50 years ago, is now a major challenge to the assembly because of frequent sewer bursts and the flow of effluent from individual houses.
Mr Odamtten said the assembly had undertaken several repairs on the sewer system and the time had come for a new plan to revamp the entire system.
He said as a short-term measure, the assembly had provided logistics to personnel of the Waste Management Department to enhance the maintenance regime. For the medium term, he said the assembly was rehabilitating the sewer trunk lines and pump stations, plans were afoot to incorporate decentralised community treatment centres to tackle the challenges faced.
Other Trending Stories
Intervention
Meanwhile the assembly insists it is in charge of the replacement of sewer lines at Communities Two and Four contrary to assertions by the Member of Parliament for Tema Central, Mr Kofi Brako.
Responding to an earlier claim by the MP, the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr Frank Asante, said the assembly recently demolished structures sited on sewer lines and deployed personnel to undertake the replacement of defective sewer lines to improve the situation.
Mr Asante said the assembly owed it as a responsibility to the residents to provide them with the needed service, adding that the assembly would not shirk that responsibility.
On the issue of additional fees demanded by gangs working on the choked system, the PRO urged residents not to pay more than the approved fees for lodging of complaints but rather report any senior officer of the assembly for action to be taken.
Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh