By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), June 19, GNA – A private citizen-led sanitation initiative aimed at improving environmental cleanliness and promoting responsible waste disposal practices has been launched in Dambai, the Oti Regional capital, through the installation of improvised waste receptacles at strategic locations across the municipality.
The initiative, spearheaded by Mr Joseph Addai, a resident and native of Dambai, seeks to address the growing challenge of indiscriminate disposal of refuse along the streets and roadsides, public spaces and commercial areas within the township.
As part of the intervention, a number of yellow waste containers mounted on metal stands have been positioned at vantage points along major roads and pedestrian routes to provide convenient disposal points for litter generated by residents, commuters and traders.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Addai said the initiative was inspired by concerns about environmental sanitation and the need for collective action to maintain a clean and healthy urban environment.
He explained that improper disposal of waste not only undermines the aesthetic appeal of the regional capital but also poses potential public health and environmental risks, particularly during the rainy season when drains become choked with refuse.
According to him, the project represents his personal contribution towards supporting efforts by the Krachi East Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders to improve sanitation standards in the municipality.
“Dambai is our home and we all have a responsibility to contribute to its development. These receptacles are intended to encourage residents and visitors to dispose of waste properly and help keep our surroundings clean,” he said.
Mr Addai appealed to residents to make effective use of the facilities and avoid acts of vandalism that could undermine the sustainability of the initiative.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to some of the locations where the receptacles had been installed showed encouraging levels of patronage, with pedestrians and motorists observed using the bins for the disposal of sachet water wrappers, paper waste and other litter.
Some residents who spoke to the GNA commended the intervention and described it as a timely response to sanitation concerns within the township.
Miss Linda Kuma, a traveler said the availability of the receptacles would make it easier for people to dispose of waste responsibly, especially in areas where public bins were not readily available.
She expressed the hope that the initiative would encourage greater public consciousness about environmental cleanliness and inspire similar interventions by other individuals and organisations.
Mr Sampson Kwadwo, a resident noted that maintaining a clean environment required a shared commitment between authorities and citizens.
He urged residents to support the initiative by ensuring that refuse was deposited in the designated containers rather than discarded indiscriminately.
Mr Philip Gyato also resident praised the effort, describing it as a commendable demonstration of civic responsibility and community leadership.
He said such interventions highlighted the important role individuals could play in complementing government programmes aimed at improving sanitation and environmental management.
Environmental sanitation remains a key development priority across many municipalities in Ghana, with local authorities and sanitation agencies continuously advocating behavioural change, proper waste segregation and community participation in maintaining clean surroundings.
Municipal authorities have consistently underscored the importance of citizen involvement, private sector participation and community ownership in achieving sustainable sanitation outcomes and safeguarding public health.
The initiative by Mr Addai is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to improve waste management practices in Dambai while reinforcing public awareness of the need to protect the environment through responsible disposal of refuse.
When contacted, Mr Charles Awuranyi, Assembly Member for the Dambai Central Electoral Area, welcomed the initiative and commended Mr Addai for demonstrating commitment to community development.
He described the intervention as a positive contribution towards ongoing efforts to improve sanitation conditions in the regional capital and promote responsible environmental practices among residents.
Mr Awuranyi indicated that the matter would be presented for discussion at the next Assembly meeting to explore avenues for institutional support and possible expansion of similar interventions within other parts of the Municipality.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between local authorities, private citizens, and community groups would contribute significantly to maintaining a cleaner, healthier and more attractive environment for all.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade