By Moses A. D. Wiredu

Residents of Amanful East in Takoradi, Western Region, are calling for urgent intervention to address worsening sanitation conditions around a refuse site in the community.

The residents say the lack of adequate waste containers has resulted in the accumulation of refuse at the site, creating an unsanitary environment and contributing to unpleasant conditions in the area.

They are also raising concerns about air pollution and the potential health risks posed by the continued accumulation of waste.

Gutter remains a concern

The sanitation concerns extend beyond the refuse site itself.

A gutter located in front of the dumping site has also become a major concern for residents.

The Sub-Metro Director of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Mr Ahwia Armah, had reportedly promised that the gutter would be desilted as part of efforts to improve sanitation around the area.

However, residents say the desilting exercise, as carried out, has not satisfactorily addressed the condition of the gutter.

They are therefore appealing to the Assembly to revisit the situation and ensure that the gutter is properly cleared.

Residents say inadequate drainage, combined with the accumulation of refuse around the site, could worsen sanitation conditions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Concerns over activities at the refuse site

Residents have also expressed concern about people reportedly searching through the refuse, particularly in the evenings.

They say some individuals collect discarded items from the site, including food, raising concerns about the possible health implications of consuming food that has been exposed to waste and contamination.

The residents want the authorities to take steps to improve conditions at the site and prevent activities that could expose people to health risks.

Call for more waste containers

The residents are appealing to the relevant authorities to provide additional waste containers and ensure the regular evacuation of refuse.

They believe a more effective waste-collection system would help prevent the site from becoming overcrowded and reduce the environmental and health concerns associated with accumulated waste.

The Assembly Member for the area, Charlotte Mensah, is also being urged to engage with residents and the relevant departments of the STMA to find a lasting solution.

Residents are particularly calling for follow-up action on the gutter, arguing that the previous intervention has not adequately resolved the problem.

Residents want lasting solution

For the residents, the problem is not simply about the appearance of the refuse site.

They say it is about sanitation, drainage, public health and the quality of the environment in which people live.

They are therefore asking the STMA to assess the refuse site, provide adequate waste containers, improve refuse collection and properly desilt the gutter in front of the site.

They also want the Assembly to monitor the area after the intervention to ensure that the sanitation problems do not quickly return.

The residents say they are ready to support efforts to keep the community clean but need the necessary infrastructure and sustained support from the authorities.

Reporter: Moses A. D. Wiredu