Regional News of Wednesday, 6 August 2014

Source: GBC

Veep directs city authorities to clear refuse sites within ten days

Vice President Amissah Arthur has given City Authorities and other waste management companies 10 days to clear all unapproved refuse dumping sites in the capital. He gave the order when he continued his inspection of some markets and dumping of refuse sites in Agbogbloshie and Kokomlemle.

Upon reaching there, Vice President Amissah Arthur expressed satisfaction with progress of work so far.

City authorities together with Zoomlion officials were seen busily clearing the sites. Meanwhile, the Environmental Service Providers Association is calling on government to review upwards refuse collection fees to reflect the changing times.

The Association's concern is about the upsurge in overhead costs of refuse collection and management.

The Executive Secretary said the review will help improve waste collection in Accra, adding that many waste collection companies are running at a loss and are unable to pay their workers well.

In a related development, the AMA says it is considering fixing a realistic fee for waste collection.

The Director of Waste Management, Samuel Kpodo, told Radio Ghana that the assembly is yet to meet on the suggested review in fees as brought before it by the Environmental Service Providers Association.

Mr Kpodo acknowledged the need to review upwards the collection fees but points out that it must be done with care.