In a move that critics say may fuel the spread of tuberculosis, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has asked the government to ban the production and sale of polythene sachets and some rubber products.

The sachets are used to package water for sale to the public. In a proposal being sent to Parliament for approval, AMA says it can no longer afford to subsidise the high cost of garbage collection in the Metropolis.

A source close to the AMA told the Weekend Heritage newspaper that alternatively, the companies that manufacture the polythene products should either pay for recycling their products or pay for the full cost of refuse collection in the city of Accra.

Before the advent of sachet water, iced water sellers served water to customers in cups. This could spread infections if the cups are not properly cleaned after each use.

The AMA is reported to be spending 60 per cent of its revenue on refuse collection, which is a drain on its purse. Only 20 per cent of residents in the whole of Accra pay for refuse collection. These are people living in residential areas.

Consequently, the AMA?s proposal to cabinet also wants households to pay for every refuse generated.

The ''Weekend Heritage'' also says the metropolis is going to be divided into 13 sub-districts to make the operations of AMA easier.