Story By: Ishmael Barfi
In collaboration with Jospong Group of Companies, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water resources has cut sod for the construction of a solid waste treatment facility at Akrofu in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region.
The construction of the public-private facility which would take effective soon is a public-private partnership between the Government of Ghana (Ministry of sanitation and Natural Resources) and Jospong Group of Companies (Zoomlion Ghana Limited).
The project forms part of waste management facilities across the 16 Regions Nationwide.
Addressing a short ceremony prior to the sod cutting, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Achibo Yao Latse, stated that, the construction of the integrated waste recycling and compose plant in the Ho municipality is in line with the agenda of development of the country.
He however hinted that, since water is life with cleanliness directly to dignity, it is the aim of President Akuffo Addo’s led administration to provide Ghanaian citizens with better water and sanitation conditions.
“A widely known fact is that water is life, and sanitation is dignity, and for this reason, the Government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo remains committed to the provision of portable water and sanitation services to the numerous socio-economic benefits it offers to the Ghanaian people”
Stressing, “The president is also committed in providing water and sanitation services, hence contribution to the transformation of the economy of this country as well as a tool to fight against diseases in our country”.
Hon. Yao Latse further disclosed that the Regional Capital, Ho, with a population of about 760,000 people generates 456 torns of waste every blessed day, hence the need to establish the Solid waste facility is key, since the disposal of solid waste has become a widespread problem both in rural and urban areas in many developing countries.
The Regional Minister however noted that, establishment of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources by Government is to coordinate activities in the water, sanitation and hygene sectors, therefore facilitate policy of building an integrated recycling and compose plant in the country.
The Regional Minister therefore expressed his gratitude to Jospong Group of Companies for their efforts and vision to partner Government as they Jospong Group of Companies values Sanitation through its support to government to build Solid Waste Treatment Facility in all the 16 regions.
On his part, representing the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Obeng Opoku, opined that, the facility is strategically placed to help attain and maintain the objective of provisding clean environmental sanitation management across the country.
He added “this will ensure the efficient and effective partnership with government in the management of solid and liquid waste on the sustainable basis in the country especially in the major towns and cities”
Therefore indicated that regardless of Jospong Group of Companies partnership, with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water resources, it has also donated pick-up vehicles to the Ministry to enhance effective monitoring of environmental and sanitation issues.
On behalf of the leading waste management company in the country, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mrs. Glorie Anti, thanked the President of the Republic, His Excellency Preaident Akufo-Addo for supporting their course to champion environmental, sanitation and private sector development.
She then affirmed that the 400 tons facility would provide a sustainable solution by collecting waste for safest storage and also recover and recycle over 60 percent of the waste which organics will be used to boost the agriculture Industry, hence, support the planting for foods and jobs initiative.
Madam Anti who is also the Deputy Managing Director assured and promised that as the leading waste management company in Ghana and Africa at large, it will continue to contribute to the realization of this loudable vision of the President.
To the Chiefs, Elders and people of akrofu and Vilta Region at large, she used the ocassion to express her gratifications as well thanked them for releasing their land(s) for such a project since cleanliness in the area is at their heart.
The Paramount Queen of Akrofu Traditional Area, Mamaga Akua Sebea Nyabor who was full of praise for the project endorsed Akufo-Addo led Government and promised to vote them in power in the forthcoming general election slated for December 7th.
With regards to workers recruitment for the construction of the Solid Waste Treatment Facility, she charged and appealed to Zoomlion Ghana limited and the Sanitation Ministry to employ more of her people in the traditional area, nothing that majority are blessed with expertise in various field.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
