National Waste Distribution Bins Project launched

The National Waste Bin Distribution Programme (NawaBin) was launched in Accra on Wednesday to distribute one million free bins to develop a new culture of waste Management in the country.

The objective of the programme is to within the shortest possible time, provide households in Ghana with free waste bins to achieve its goal as a much needed intervention in waste and sanitation management, to help eliminate public health challenges.

NawaBin, is a Public-Private-Partnership that would see Government, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and private sector interests’ work together to distribute the free waste receptacles for household use across the country.

Mr Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuiye, a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development noted that the increasing disposal of waste indiscriminately in the city of Accra and its environs is serious and unfortunate.

He attributed the situation to the lack public education about the dangers and effects of the problem.

Nii Lantey Vanderpuije who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodio said the Local Government Ministry would collaborate with chiefs and traditional authorities who are the custodians of lands to bring sanity in their communities.

Mr Nii Laryea Afortey Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister said Government is committed to solve the problem of waste and sanitation, explaining that the situation is the collective responsibility of all.

He said Accra alone generates about 80 per cent of organic waste, hence the need for the people to keep the environment clean to avoid the outbreak of diseases like cholera, which retards development.

The Regional Minister who is also MP for Kpone-Katamanso said five out 10 of households in Accra dumps refuse in gutters nearby their residents and expressed the hope that with the free distribution of the bins would help people to change their attitudes.

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive said the major challenge in the Metropolis was lack of disposal sites in Accra, adding that, now the city has such facilities.

“The assemblies in the region should be up and doing to control the situation,” he said.

He said the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has formed watch dog committees to monitor the usage and protection of the waste disposable bins to ensure that they are not used for different purposes, adding: “Most people use the bins for storage of water and vegetables.”

Dr Vanderpuije said the AMA has achieved only 45 per cent of the bin distribution and that the project would further enhance its strength.

He said once waste is generated, there must be waste bins to collect them and urged Ghanaians to use the receptacles for its intended purpose.

Oblempong Nii Kwadjo Ababio V, Jamestown Mantse said chiefs are ready to partner the Local Government Ministry and other stakeholders to solve the waste and sanitation problem in the country, especially Accra and its environs.

Madam Mercy Nii Djan, President of the Regional Market women said Thursday August 28, is earmark for a cleanup exercise in all markets in Accra from 0600 hours to 1200 hours.