Kasena-Nankana Municipal Assembly announces closure of markets ahead of fumigation exercise

From Correspondence in the Upper East:

The Kasena-Nankana Municipal Assembly has announced the closure of markets in the area effective, 31st March 2020.

The closure is to enable a team from the Local government Ministry to undertake a disinfection exercise to disinfect the markets.

As part of measures to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the country, the local government Ministry has embarked on a nationwide disinfection exercise targeting markets.

The exercise, which is being carried from region to region, has seen the disinfection of markets in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, where cases of the disease have surged.

On April 1, the Upper East Region takes its turn in the national exercise and markets within the Kasena-Nankana Municipality would be first to tackle.

The markets include the Navrongo Old and New markets, the Navrongo Cattle Market, the Kologo Market, and Naaga Market.

The rest are the Natugnia Market, Yua, Kandiga Junction, Kulengo, Doba, Wuru and Manyoro Markets.

Confirming the announcement to our Upper East Regional Correspondent, Senyalah Castro, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) William Aduum, said the 10 markets within the area will be closed, cleaned and prepared a day before the fumigation exercise.

He said the Assembly has taken a serious interest in the exercise to ensure that the markets are rid of all infections to create a safer environment for the people.

Mr. Aduum added that the markets will be opened for business activities 24 hours after the fumigation.

"The markets will be closed on 31st March to make way for the team from the local government ministry to fumigate the places. We will close the markets and clean them as we wait for the team to come and fumigate. As you may know, several of such fumigation exercises are being organized in the country in the wake of the Coronavirus. The disinfection is important to ensure clean and safe markets for the people.

"So for us, all the 10 markets within the assembly will be disinfected". He explained.

He said the Assembly was working in close collaboration with the Traditional authorities in the area to ensure compliance with the directives.

The MCE, while assuring that all business activities will bounce back in the area after the fumigation exercise, has urged all to comply with the directives to help combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

"We have informed all the traditional leaders about the exercise and we are working with them since they own and represent the people". He added.

He reminded the people, especially the market folk, to continue the practice of proper handwashing by making use of the 'Veronica Buckets' and disinfectants that have been scattered throughout the markets to prevent contracting and spreading the viral disease.