By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Sept. 1, GNA – Zoomlion Ghana Limited has launched a regionwide disinfection and disinfestation exercise in the Upper West Region to mitigate potential disease outbreaks following recent heavy rains and flooding in the country.
The nationwide exercise seeks to sanitise flood-affected areas and address public health risks associated with stagnant water, waste and other pollutants left in the aftermath of the rains and floods.
As part of the exercise, officers from Zoomlion Ghana Limited disinfected and disinfested sanitation management areas, including public toilets and refuse dumps across the region.
Speaking at the launch in Wa, Mr Damma Shaiku Mumuni, Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, commended the Government for supporting the initiative by Zoomlion to help avert public health risks associated with heavy rains and flooding.
“The government of the day thought it wise to support this exercise so that the aftermath of the floods, whatever diseases or any other emergencies that are arising, can be resolved,” he said.
Mr Mumuni said the exercise should not be a one-off intervention, given the recurring rains and associated sanitation and public health challenges.
He called for discussions between the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and Zoomlion to establish a sustainable arrangement for regular disinfection and disinfestation exercises.
“That way, we can have our municipalities and districts rid of pollutants and other diseases that come as a result of the rains we are experiencing,” he said.
Mr Adams Moro, Wa Municipal Coordinating Director, assured that the various MMDAs would provide maximum support to Zoomlion throughout the exercise.
He said although the region did not experience the extent of flooding recorded in other parts of the country, it faced peculiar challenges with drainage systems and localised flooding following heavy rains.
Mr Maxwel Mba Ayipaala, Upper West Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, commended the MMDAs, traditional and opinion leaders and other stakeholders for supporting the exercise.
He said the intervention formed part of Zoomlion’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and called for partnerships with the assemblies to address sanitation challenges, including regular disinfection and disinfestation of public health risk areas.
“The rains will always come, and the aftermath of rains will always be there. So, we would want that further engagement be held with the Assemblies, so that moving into the future, we will know what is the most sustainable approach for us here,” he explained.
Mr Ayipaala appealed for sustained support and cooperation with Zoomlion in its operations, including disinfection and disinfestation exercises.
Mr Kanyiti Jebuni Abdul-Razak, Wa Municipal Environmental Health and Sanitation Officer, said the Assembly had detailed technical personnel to support Zoomlion and ensure the successful conduct of the exercise.
He said the exercise would be carried out at targeted public spaces, particularly areas associated with waste management and other sanitation concerns.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Email: [email protected]