Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has called on municipal assemblies to impose surcharges on waste collectors in the country.

According to her, the assemblies have the right to surcharge waste collectors who have been contracted to do so but fail to collect or delay in collecting garbage in various communities.

Speaking during inspection of areas along the Odaw River and Nima-Maamobi following the recent rainfall in some parts of the country, Ms Prempeh expressed her chagrin with the deplorable nature of waste disposal systems in the country.

To this end, Ms Prempeh indicated that imposing surcharges on these waste collectors was a necessary measure to compel them to fulfil their obligations and ensure timely waste collection.

“We cannot always sit back for government to look for money to evacuate refuse, to drill drains, to dredge drains, to desilt gutters, we have to change our attitude. This refuse you see behind me is under the purview of the assembly. They have signed contracts with private service providers, and they are supposed to ensure that private service providers clear and collect the garbage.
“We should not sit down as an assembly and take excuses from the service providers that my car has broken down and all that. There should be a provision in the by-law to surcharge them. If they don’t pick up the refuse on time, they should be surcharged.”
Freda Prempeh

Sanitation courts to expedite cases

Furthermore, Ms Prempeh noted that as an assembly, the ministry will collaborate MMDAs to ensure cleanliness in communities. Nonetheless, she explained that such waste is still under the purview and management of the assemblies, and “they are supposed to ensure that it is cleared by the private service providers”.

Additionally, the sanitation minister expressed her commitment to engage in discussions regarding the establishment of specialized environmental courts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of prosecuting sanitation-related offenses.

She stated that when it comes to intensified calls on the relevance of these specialized courts in expediting sanitation cases brought before district courts, it is just not about delay on the part of the court.

“The advocacy is still on, but I believe together as a ministry, the Regional Coordinating Council and the assemblies, we should be able to put our heads together and ensure that the right thing is done. I believe that if we enforce our by-laws, we will not be taking people to the sanitation courts.
“So, we have to start from the basis, from where the problem is coming from and that is the gap. And once we’ve been able to find the problem, we should be able to solve it.”
Freda Prempeh

Earlier this month, Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Elizabeth Sackey, officially announced the initiation of sanitation courts.

She commended progress and dedicated efforts made towards disaster management and the protection of lives within the city.

Moreover, Madam Sackey highlighted that these accomplishments stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Accra who have consistently worked to improve their city.

Also, she equally emphasized the city’s commitment to becoming a thriving urban center capable of withstanding various challenges.