STMA institutes measures to check open defecation

The Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has provided over 28,013 household latrines as a measure to curb open defecation and improve general sanitation in the metropolis.

Mr Mohammed Sulley, Metropolitan Environmental Officer, told the Ghana News Agency that the Assembly has exceeded the national target of 40 percent.

Currently, there are 126 public toilets, 821 school toilet facilities, 28,013 household facilities and 12 private toilet operators representing 55 percent coverage.

Mr Sulley said the metropolis was on course to meet the Local Government Ministry's directive of ensuring that every household has toilet facility.

He said the target is now to provide institutional latrines rather public latrines, adding that the existing public facilities would be properly maintained.

He said the assembly’s environment officers would continue to patrol the cities and homes to ensure that the standard sanitation measures are maintained to save the metropolis from communicable disease.

Mr Sulley said sanitation was a shared responsibility and called on the public to support government’s vision of keeping the country clean.

Meanwhile, Global Communities, an NGO under its WASH- UP project, has augmented the Assembly’s efforts through the provision of 200 household toilets at a cost of GH¢ 550000.

Mr Moses Arkoh, Water and Sanitation Officer with Global Communities, said the Project which had been running for five years is working at ending open defecation in the country.