|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commissioned two new refuse compactor trucks as part of efforts to improve waste collection, reduce refuse accumulation, and enhance sanitation services across the capital.
The trucks, acquired at a cost of approximately GH¢2.4 million, were officially handed over by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, at a ceremony held at the AMA office.
The six-wheel-drive, rear-loading compactors have a carrying capacity of about 20 cubic metres, with a compaction ratio of between 3:1 and 4:1 and a payload capacity ranging from 9,500 to 10,000 kilogrammes. They can be operated manually, electronically, and through wireless remote-control systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Local Government Minister commended the Mayor of Accra, assembly members, directors, and staff of the AMA for their efforts in improving service delivery despite inherited financial and legal challenges.
He noted that the Assembly had previously faced issues including garnished accounts, judgement debts, unpaid legal fees, and multiple court cases, but had gradually stabilised its finances and improved its ability to undertake development projects.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim stressed that the two trucks alone would not be enough to address the sanitation needs of the capital and encouraged the AMA to acquire at least five to six additional compactors.
He further emphasised that effective waste management requires a collective effort between government, metropolitan assemblies, and private waste management companies, adding that no single sector can solve the sanitation challenge alone.
The Minister also urged neighbouring municipal assemblies to invest in their own sanitation equipment rather than depending heavily on the AMA to manage waste generated within their jurisdictions.
According to him, the presence of major commercial areas such as Makola means the AMA handles waste not only from residents of the metropolis but also from traders, commuters, and visitors from across Greater Accra and other parts of the country.
He assured the Assembly that the Ministry would explore ways to support the AMA due to the unique sanitation responsibilities it carries as the authority overseeing the capital’s central business district.
Residents were also encouraged to report illegal dumping of refuse into drains, on roads, and at unauthorised locations through the AMA hotline, 0544 914 628, to help authorities take immediate action.
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for providing funds to support the Assembly’s development and sanitation programmes.
He revealed that the AMA had no refuse compactor when he assumed office and relied mainly on rented equipment and private waste management services, a situation he described as unsustainable.
The Mayor said the Assembly had begun building its own sanitation fleet and stressed that waste management should not be limited by administrative boundaries, as all metropolitan and municipal assemblies share a responsibility to keep the capital clean.
He also acknowledged concerns about the maintenance of public equipment and disclosed that the Assembly was taking steps to establish a mechanical workshop to ensure proper servicing and longevity of its sanitation vehicles.
Story by Efua Nessa