Koforidua, May 21, GNA- Over 86 per cent of people living in the rural areas in the Eastern Region have no access to toilet and in Koforidua, the regional capital, over 60 per cent of the estimated 150,000 people have no latrines in their homes. This was disclosed by Mr Worlanyo Siabi, acting Regional Director of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, at a sanitation policy dialogue, organized by the Coalition of non-governmental organisations on water and Sanitation, in Koforidua on Tuesday. He said solid waste in the country was not being managed but only disposed off causing environmental problems. Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, Eastern Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, appealed to assembly members, religious organizations, traditional authorities and other opinion leaders to help improve upon sanitation.

Mr F.A. Quist, the Regional Environmental Officer, called on stakeholders to assist in tackling environmental issues because government alone could not solve the problems. Representatives of traders at the Koforidua Central Market, called for the provision of urinal and toilet facilities at the market, During question time.