Flood Aftermath: Markets, drains undergo disinfection in Oti Region sanitation exercise

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has intensified a seven-day disinfection and disinfestation exercise across the Oti Region following recent flooding in parts of the country.

The exercise, which began in the Krachi East and Krachi West municipalities, is expected to cover all nine Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the region.

It is being carried out in collaboration with the respective assemblies, which have identified areas requiring intervention.

The exercise covers markets, shops and sheds, public toilets, drains and gutters, refuse container sites, waste-dumping areas, flood-prone communities and other public spaces considered potential breeding grounds for disease vectors and pathogens.

Speaking to the media during the exercise, Oti Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Joseph Buabeng, said the intervention was intended to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks following the floods.

He said the exercise involved both disinfection and disinfestation to control disease vectors, reduce harmful pathogens and address public health risks associated with flooding and poor sanitation.

“Our objective is to protect residents from diseases that commonly emerge after flooding. We do not want to wait until there is an outbreak before taking action. This is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding public health and protecting lives,” Buabeng said.

He explained that floodwaters could carry sewage, waste and other contaminants into drains, waterways and public spaces, potentially increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

According to him, waste-dumping sites and areas close to water bodies were receiving particular attention because decomposing waste, leachate and increased fly populations could create environmental and public health risks.

Buabeng said the exercise followed a directive from Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Joseph Siaw Agyepong, for support to be provided to communities across the country to help control disease vectors and reduce the risk posed by harmful pathogens.

He also called for longer-term measures to address sanitation challenges, including the development and maintenance of properly engineered landfill sites, stronger regulation of waste transportation and the establishment of strategically located waste transfer stations in rapidly growing municipalities.

Environmental Health Officer at the Krachi East Municipal Assembly, Adem Atiase, commended Zoomlion for the intervention, saying it would complement the assembly’s environmental health activities.

He said the exercise would help improve sanitation and reduce potential health risks in public spaces within the municipality.

The exercise forms part of a nationwide disinfection and disinfestation programme being undertaken by Zoomlion in collaboration with local authorities.