Accra (Greater Accra), 23rd June 99 ?

A new sewage plant that would solve the problem of waste disposal in the Kumasi metropolis is under construction, with the assistance of the British government, Mr Lee Ocran, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology said in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Deputy Minister said this in response to concerns expressed by members during the consideration of the 1998 Environmental Protection Agency Annual report.

The House later adopted the report.

The Minister said the Ministry would soon come out with a policy, which would enjoin sand and stone contractors to submit a reclamation plan as well as pay a bond for their activities.

At the end of the operation when they fail to implement the plan they would forfeit the bond, which would then be used to implement the reclamation plan.

Some members commended the EPA for doing a good job in spite of numerous constraints.

Others expressed reservations on human and hospital waste disposal in the country, sand and stone winning, open drains, river pollution and poor sanitary conditions especially in the urban areas.

The House called on district assemblies to use part of the Common Fund to implement environmental action plans of their districts.

Squadron Leader Clend Sowu, Chairman of the Committee on Environment Science and Technology, who presented the committee's report, recommended making environmental committees standing committees in the district assemblies.

This, he said, would enable them to assist in the education of the public on environmental issues in order to make the necessary impact.

The committee recommended that EPA should formulate standard draft by laws to be adopted by all district assemblies concerning tree felling and ensure enforcement and implementation of environmental plans.

The report said the control and eradication of water hyacinth in some parts of the country should be given national attention.

The report noted that the rehabilitated incineration plant at Korle Bu is not operational due to irregular supply of diesel, needed to fuel the equipment.

It was also observed that some private laboratories discharge their waste into drains without treatment while some clinics bury human tissues.