Zoomlion begins disinfestation operation to prevent post-flood disease in Accra

Zoomlion Ghana Limited, in collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), has kick-started an extensive disinfection and disinfestation exercise in the Greater Accra Region.

The operation, which commenced Friday, August 21, forms part of Zoomlion’s corporate social responsibility to mitigate public health risks associated with the flooding that hit the national capital.

Facilities targeted for the disinfection and disinfestation exercise included public latrines, markets, schools, health facilities, refuse container sites, dumping sites and other areas that may have been exposed to contaminated floodwaters.

Addressing the media, the Greater Accra Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Ricky Anokye Frimpong, explained that the company had taken this initiative as part of its commitment to giving back to communities and supporting the MMDAs in protecting public health.

He said Greater Accra has twenty-nine (29) MMDAs and Zoomlion was working to extend the exercise across these assemblies to help control microorganisms and disease vectors that may have spread as a result of the floods.

“We are taking it upon ourselves to disinfect every place to help contain the microorganisms that, in a way, run through as a result of the flood,” Mr Frimpong averred.

Continuing, he said, the exercise was also targeting flies, mosquitoes and other disease vectors that could thrive in areas affected by poor sanitation and stagnant water following the floods.

As part of the Friday operation, Zoomlion teams covered five Municipal areas which included Ayawaso East, Ayawaso West, Ayawaso North, Ablekuma North and Ga Central, with teams deployed to various locations within the municipalities.

Among the facilities covered were the Five-Five Public Toilet at Accra Newtown; facilities serving the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Ambulance Service and Ghana Education Service (GES) in Mamobi; the La Bawleshie dumpsite; the Gbegbeyisie cluster of schools in Dansoman, Glefe unauthorized dumpsite and parts of Sowutuom in the Ga Central Municipality.

Frimpong also disclosed that Zoomlion was engaging the relevant Assembly on plans to evacuate and reclaim the La Bawleshie dumpsite to give the land a more beneficial purpose for the surrounding community.

He said discussions with the Assembly were already underway and expressed optimism that significant action would be seen at the site within the next month or two.

According to him, the disinfection and disinfestation exercise was being fully financed by Zoomlion Ghana Limited, with no payment required from the assemblies or beneficiaries, as the company seeks to demonstrate its commitment to the health and wellbeing of communities.

He affirmed that the exercise would continue across other municipalities, with the company expected to undertake additional activities over the weekend and conclude the current phase on Monday, August 24.

He emphasised that Zoomlion’s broader commitment was working with local authorities to prevent avoidable illnesses and improve environmental health, particularly in communities affected by flooding.

Frimpong used the medium to urge Accra residents, schools, market operators and managers of public facilities to support the exercise by maintaining proper sanitation practices and preventing the accumulation of waste and stagnant water that could create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and other disease vectors.