In a bid to arrest the worsening sanitation problems along our beaches, government, through the Ministry of Sanitation, has launched the Ghana First Public Toilet Project this year, to provide access to public places of conveniences for all coastal communities.
Fortunately, the Shama District, in the words of the District Chief Executive, Joseph Amoah, “has partnered the Ghana First in this laudable project to commence the first of the projects in Shama Apo”.
According to him, the facility would have toilet rooms, laundry, cloak room, and store, among others. He adds that the contractor would soon commence work at Abuesi and Aboadze, and then proceed with other communities in the district.
“As you are aware the aesthetic views of our beaches which otherwise should have been providing comfort and serving as a place for relaxation for communities, merry makers and tourists are being destroyed as a result of open defecation and dumping”, Mr Amoah cried.
Mr Amoah stated that some other projects are underway to improve sanitation in the district. He adds that some drawings and design works for the construction of the final disposal sites by the Waste Landfill Company ltd is expected to begin soon.
The project would be in three phases; Phase I would be clearing of site and identification of water table, Phase II would see to the construction of cells for solid waste disposal, and Phase III will have the construction of stabilization points for liquid waste disposal.
He mentioned that the assembly will continue with the distribution of waste bins to some communities. He however expressed worry with the manner at which franchised toilets and washroom facilities owned by the assembly are being managed.
He stated that “it is his proposal that we [assembly] streamline the management of these facilities by ensuring that interested persons duly apply for the franchise so that the necessary processes can be followed and contracts duly signed with those who qualify. This would enable the Assembly monitor the facilities and sanction non-compliant managers”.
He adds that the proposal is motivated by the fact that records of the franchisees and managers of these facilities are scanty, if not unavailable. In some cases, fees are also not paid to the Assembly whilst the maintenance and sanitation at these points are poor.
Kojo Ennimil Arthur |Spicefmonline.com| Ghana
