Regional News of Monday, 7 September 2015

Source: GNA

Communities in Accra to benefit from GAMA

Some communities within the 11 Sub-Metropolitan Assemblies in Accra would benefit from the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Water and Sanitation modern toilet facilities project of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

Under the project, which is being sponsored by the World Bank and the AMA 5,000 improved household toilets would be constructed to enhance good sanitation in identified areas.

Mr Graham Sarbah, Director of Drains of the AMA in-charge of the GAMA project, made this known during an inspection of some areas such as Glefe, Manponse, Chorkor and Gbegbeise, all in the Ablekuma South and West Districts.

It was to sensitise the residents of the AMA’s plan to provide them with improved household sanitation services whilst each household would pay 50 per cent of the cost.

Mr Sarbah said effective sustainable portable water and related sanitation services, as well as promotion of hygiene in the identifiable communities are important to the donor countries.

He urged the people to take advantage of the project to improve personal hygiene.

Mr Sarbah acknowledged the contribution of the government and its partners for their support to those communities to enhance sanitation and environmental hygiene.

Mr Eric Adane of the PROP and Treat Consultancy of the GAMA project said as part of the programme, school sanitation and hygiene would be tackled in the selected areas to ensure good sanitation.

He gave the assurance that the project would be a reality for the residents to get toilets in their homes.

In a related development, Mr Dan Derrick Adotey Myers, the Assemblyman-elect at the Chorkor, has expressed disappointment at the apathy shown by the people during the National Sanitation Day on Saturday, September 5.

He chided the residents who voted for him for not showing commitment to clean their environment, saying: “It is time everyone rise and take up the responsibility of ensuring a clean surrounding.”

Mr Myers told the Ghana News Agency that: “When it comes to the issue of cleaning the drains, many people are not prepared to help.

He said: “Though there is a reduction in the number of people infected by cholera last year, we cannot be complacent.”