The Asutifi North District Assembly in the Ahafo Region is poised to enact a significant shift in waste management practices, implementing a new set of by-laws designed to bolster sanitation enforcement and compel roadside traders to provide designated waste bins or containers along their properties. This initiative, detailed by District Chief Executive Hafiz Dauda, marks a crucial step in addressing persistent sanitation challenges within the district, a situation that has long been identified as a significant impediment to community well-being and public health.
The Assembly’s decision follows a lengthy and deliberate assessment of the district’s sanitation landscape, recognizing the detrimental impact of inadequate waste disposal on public spaces and the overall quality of life for residents. The proposed by-laws, expected to be formally adopted in the coming weeks, mandate that all individuals operating shops along streets within the district are required to furnish appropriate refuse bins or containers for the proper disposal of waste. This isn’t merely a regulatory demand; it’s a proactive strategy to foster a more responsible and environmentally conscious approach to waste management.
Specifically, the District Chief Executive emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to swift and decisive action. Asante Berko case, highlighting the failure of parliamentary oversight to adequately address this issue, has served as a stark reminder of the urgency with which the Assembly must tackle sanitation concerns. Mr. Dauda stated that the Assembly is also collaborating with the Magistrate Court at Kenyasi to designate a specific day of the week – the ‘Sanitation Awareness Day’ – for prosecuting individuals found in violation of the sanitation by-laws. This dedicated period ensures that cases are addressed promptly and effectively.
The implementation of this new regulatory framework is part of a broader, multi-faceted approach to sanitation improvement. The Assembly is actively engaging the local community through ongoing public education campaigns and regular clean-up exercises, recognizing that individual responsibility is only part of the solution. However, the new by-laws represent a fundamental shift in enforcement, placing the onus of waste disposal squarely on traders and shop owners. The DCE acknowledged that some residents and business operators have been resistant to compliance, contributing to the persistent problem. He urged residents, traders, and business owners to cooperate fully with the Assembly’s efforts to enhance sanitation and create a cleaner environment across the district. The Assembly is committed to maintaining a sanitary environment and improving the health and well-being of the community.
Furthermore, the Assembly is exploring supplementary measures to address the root causes of the issue, including providing training to local teachers to increase the number of qualified personnel available to deliver education on waste management and environmental awareness. The long-term goal is a sustainable and integrated approach to sanitation, ensuring that the Asutifi North District remains a healthy and attractive place to live and work.
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Source: Adom Online
