The banks of the Volta Lake at Yeji in the Pru East District of the Bono East Region, has become the preferred area for some residents to attend to nature’s call.
The dumping of refuse along the banks of the Lake has also become a major headache for the Pru East District Assembly as it struggles to tackle the poor sanitary condition in the area.
Yeji, the capital of the Pru East District, which falls within the newly created Bono East Region, is a major commercial hub which receives hundreds of traders from across the country.
The township has a population of about thirty – five thousand people according to the 2010 Population Housing Census, with the majority of the inhabitants being farmers and petty traders.
Like many other commercial centers in the country, Yeji also has a challenge with sanitation.
The situation, however, appears to be reaching alarming levels, making its handling much more difficult for the Pru East Assembly.
Plastic waste and other waste materials are indiscriminately disposed of, particularly around the banks of the Lake.
These waste materials are seen all around the banks although the Lake serves as a major source of drinking water.
Some residents freely use the banks of the Lake as their place of convenience and refuse dump. Some residents have attributed this to inadequate public toilet facilities and waste bins.
The Pru East as it stands; will struggle to achieve the UN SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation by 2030, which seeks to end open defecation and also ensure that there is access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
The SDG 6 is also to improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating indiscriminate dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials into water bodies.
The District Chief Executive for Pru East District, Joshua Kwaku Abonkrah, told Citi News his outfit is working to tackle the sanitation situation in Yeji.
“When I assumed office, it was one of the challenges I have taken upon myself as to how to tackle the sanitation problem. As we speak, the Assembly and myself have brought up certain plans that every two weeks we would sweep the banks of the river. We are working hard to ensure that our bye-laws on sanitation work effectively so that those found culpable are brought to book. We are also going to provide waste bins as well,” Mr. Abonkrah disclosed.
Mr. Abonkrah also revealed that they are partnering with Ghana First and have been awarded twenty-two toilet facilities.
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By: Michael Sarpong Mfum | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
