Waste Overwhelms Accra

WASTE IN ACCRA has become a problem due to the increase in the number of residents of Accra.

Waste bins have been left to overflow, allowing flies, rats and other insects to breed, spreading diseases. Gutters in residential areas which should convey liquid wastes have been turned into the dumping ground for solid waste, thrown indiscriminately by residence, thereby creating artificial flooding.

Public places of convenience have not been spared as their wastes have been washed ashore by rains into residences and other places, thereby introducing diseases.

When Chronicle contacted the Mr. Ben Laryea, director of the Waste Management Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), he stated that the total generated per day is 1,500 to 1,800 tons, with an average collection of 1,200 tons per day and average collection of 8,400 tons per week.

He revealed that there are 15 garbage companies currently operating in Accra and are being monitored by the AMA on their day-to-day performance to ensure quality service delivery and value for money.

According to him, the companies charge an approved levy within the first and the third class areas as ?72,000, ?42,000, ?12,000 per container per month at Airport, Cantonment, Labone, Ridge, North Kaneshie, Osu Ringway, Mataheko, etc.

He added that ?93,000, ?212,000, ?584,000, ?722,000, ?1,926,000 per container per month are charged, depending on the size of the container.

He disclosed to this paper that the fourth class areas, such as Nima, Maamobi, Korle Gonno, Chorkor, Russia, Ga Mashie, Osu, etc, do not pay service charges which form about 70 per cent of the operational area.

When Chronicle asked where this waste is dumped, he said the final disposal dump site is at Oblogo, Gbawe, 13 kilometers from the city center, where 80 per cent of the waste is disposed and the composting plant is at Teshie Nungua Estates in Accra.

Mr. Laryea attributed the problems in waste management to "rapid urbanization and congestion, inadequate equipment, vehicle and containers, insufficient funding, low enforcement of existing waste byelaws, ineffective public awareness and education, and non-application of waste generators, pay principles and passive political commitment."

He said despite the problems, the AMA ensures the collection of waste from sources of generation, transportation for treatment and final disposal at a reasonable and affordable cost.

He added that the authority is going to monitor and supervise the private sector, organize public awareness and education and ensure that the waste byelaws are enforced in the country.

He however advised the public to desist from throwing wastes around but rather put them in an appropriate place to keep the city clean.