AMA Orderded to phase out pan latrines

Accra, July 16, GNA - The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to phase out the use of pan latrines in the metropolis within five years.

The five member panel presided over Ms Justice Sophia Akuffo, adopting the terms of settlement between the assembly and a private legal practitioner directed the discontinuation of the use of pan latrines in the metropolis.

The court directed the construction of Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit-Latrine (KVIP) and Water Closet (WC's) in homes and communities and asked the assembly to ensure buildings constructed in the metropolis were furnished with adequate provision of KVIP or WC's. It said the assembly during the settlement indicated that it would prosecute any person found carrying human excreta in the city after the period.

Nana Agyei Ampofo, the private legal practitioner who was commended by the court declined to ask for cost because he did not want to over burden the assembly.

In February this year, Nana Ampofo initiated a legal action against the AMA for the continued use of people to carry latrine since the act violated their rights.

The AMA during the settlement indicated its intention to construct 1,500 KVIPs in the metropolis under the Urban Environmental Sanitation Project 11 by 2010.

Under the project, households would be assisted to convert their pan latrines into KVIP or WCs. Households who failed to comply with the directive would be prosecuted.