Accra, June 2, GNA - The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology is to restore the natural eco-system of the Fosu Lagoon in Cape Coast, through a comprehensive programme, including the relocation of the Siwdu Garage operators and the dredging of the lagoon. Ms Sherry Ayittey, sector Minister, said the main problems of the lagoon were excessive pollution, siltation and unregulated settlement and development activities in the catchment area of the water body. The Minister, who was responding to a question in Parliament on measures to address the continuing fishing in the polluted lagoon, said as a first step, the ministry through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was undertaking awareness and sensitization activities, to educate the public about the risks in fishing in the water body, because of the high level of pollution and possible contamination of the fish in the lagoon.

"Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has through the EPA cautioned the general public and fishermen of the high risk they are exposed to through the direct contact with the water and possibly eating from it," she said. Ms Ayittey said the metropolitan assembly and the Central Regional Co-ordinating council were to be tasked to relocate the Siwdu Garage operators, to stop liquid waste from being dumped into the lagoon by these operators.

She said an alternative livelihood programme was to be provided for the fishermen and people living around the lagoon, to help stem the rate of pollution from human activities. 02 June 09