Zoomlion Ghana Limited has commenced a comprehensive disinfestation and fumigation exercise across all 33 Municipal and District Assemblies within the Eastern Region, commencing on August 21st, 2023, and scheduled to conclude on September 30th, 2023.
The exercise, spearheaded by the Vector Control Unit of the company in collaboration with the assemblies, represents Zoomlion’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, specifically aimed at preventing outbreaks of cholera, malaria, typhoid, and other infectious diseases following the recent devastating floods that impacted several communities in the region. The recent floods resulted in significant water contamination, necessitating a swift and widespread response.
This mass spraying operation, deployed across markets, lorry parks, places of convenience, refuse container sites, and containers, particularly during the rainy season, is designed to significantly reduce the prevalence of disease-causing organisms within these areas. The primary goal is to eliminate pathogens, control disease vectors, and restore safe conditions in all affected flood-affected zones.
The exercise is being conducted as part of Zoomlion’s broader commitment to safeguarding public health and mitigating potential risks associated with waterborne illnesses. It is a crucial step in preventing the spread of these infections, which have been particularly concerning in the Eastern Region following the recent rainfall events.
Briefing the media at the Agartha Market in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Manager of Zoomlion, Cynthia Gbadago, underscored the urgency of the situation. She stated that the company’s proactive intervention stemmed from the realization that the environment had been significantly contaminated, thus necessitating the exercise. She emphasized that this corporate social responsibility reflects Zoomlion’s dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the affected communities.
The company has already undertaken extensive education programs, particularly targeting market women and residents, to ensure proper awareness and adherence to the exercise protocols. They’ve provided detailed instructions on food and water coverage, emphasizing the need for individuals to protect their environment and diligently dispose of refuse to prevent the spread of disease.
Furthermore, Mrs. Gbadago highlighted that after the fumigation process, individuals are advised to wait a period of four to six hours before re-entering the affected areas to allow for the dissipation of any residual pathogens. She also cautioned the public to protect their environment, particularly concerning the disposal of refuse, which she stressed would significantly contribute to preventing disease outbreaks in the region. Finally, Mrs. Gbadago acknowledged the support provided by the assemblies in facilitating this critical undertaking.
In response to the recent flooding, Prince Osei Kissi, the Eastern Regional Environmental Officer for Zoomlion, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort between the assemblies and the company. He assured the public that the company will continue to provide support to ensure the exercise goes smoothly and provides a safe environment for the communities. At the Agartha Market, traders expressed their optimism that the fumigation exercise would effectively eradicate harmful insects like mosquitoes and cockroaches, as well as rodents such as mice, from the market area. Afia Adutwumwaa, another trader, requested the government to prioritize providing convenient places of convenience and prevent flooding during heavy rainfall, demonstrating a desire for better infrastructural support. The overall impact of the exercise is expected to significantly contribute to reducing the burden of waterborne diseases within the Eastern Region.
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Source: Adom Online
