63 people in Sekondi-Takoradi were last year arrested for open defecation

By Mildred Siabi-Mensah, GNA

Sekondi, Feb. 8, GNA- A total of 63 people were last year arrested in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis for open defecation.

Others were fined for refusing to participate in communal labour, channelling solid waste pipelines into gutters, having defective septic tanks as well as dumping and burning of refuse.

Mr Abdul-Karim Hudu, the Metropolitan Environmental Health Officer who made this known in an interview with the GNA in Sekondi said others were also convicted for insanitary disposal of waste, lack of household toilets, accumulation of waste and nuisance and the non-compliance on stray animals.

The Metro Environmental Health Officer hinted that 4,800 houses, 170 industries, 100 hospitality facilities, two abattoirs have been earmarked for inspection within the year as a measure to ensure all round health in the twin-city.

Mr Hudu noted with concern that bed bugs were becoming an emerging health issue among schools and households and entreated the public to report for the assembly to take prompt fumigation action.

He said the assembly was leaving no stone unturned in promoting quality lifestyle among the populace.

On his part, Mr John Laste, the STMA Public Relations Officer stated that, despite the reoccurrence of packets of refuse in and around settlements within the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, their plan was on course.

According to him, all the five waste management contractors were working to the satisfaction of the assembly in their respective zones to ensure that waste in all forms either from residents or public places were collected to maintain a cleaner environment.

“As an assembly, we are constantly in touch with our contractors and assembly members in the communities to ensure that waste collectors lived up to expectations and any lapses reported for prompt attention”, he added.

Mr Laste noted that though there were some challenges with equipment to lift waste from individual households, the assembly had procured a standby waste equipment to help lift in the events of breakdown of equipment on the part of their contractors and impressed upon residents to cooperate.

“We all have to put our hands on deck in our quest for a cleaner city…just make sure you pay as a polluter to enable the service providers to continually stay in business and help us in cleaning the city”.

GNA

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