Takoradi, Nov. 26, GNA - Sachet water producers in Sekondi, Takoradi and Agona Nkwanta said they would resist the imposition of any 'unfair' levies by their assemblies.

They said it was improper for any assembly to impose levies on their operations without the use of negotiations, dialogue and consensus building.

Major Rex Nuamah (RTD), chairman of the association, said this at a press conference in Takoradi on indiscriminate littering of plastic materials and the apathetic nature in which waste is disposed off. A jingle on proper waste management and environmental cleanliness was also launched at the ceremony.

He said attempts by the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly to impose levies on them about two years ago failed. Major Nuamah said in spite of this the association supported the assembly with several quantities of sachet water and other refreshments for their clean-up exercises.

He said the assembly should provide more dustbins, to embark on public education and that proper waste collection and management would assist in ensuring a clean and sound environment. Major Nuamah said the association was willing and would continue to support the proper management of plastic waste and called on the assembly to establish a plastic recycling plant to ensure the re-use of plastics.

He said re-cycling was the most sustainable method that was presently available and the assembly must not hesitate to use it. Awulae Annor Adjaye, II, Omanhene of the Western Nzema Traditional area who chaired the conference, said lack of monitoring of waste management staff, coupled with the lack of logistics, had made waste collection and management a major threat to the environment. He said lack of places for the disposal of solid and liquid waste within the metropolis needed to be addressed and that SEAMA should generate electricity from waste materials.