Woyongo declares ‘zero tolerance of filth’ in Upper East

2011
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, has reiterated his commitment to rid the region of filth. To this effect, Mr. Woyongo has tasked all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to enact sanitary bye-laws and also institute stiffer punishment for persons that liter indiscriminately, thus posing health risk to the society. Mr. Woyongo gave the directive during a stakeholders meeting involving heads of decentralized departments, assembly members, as well as MDCEs at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Capital. The meeting, which was being spearheaded by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) was on the polythene bag menace. The purpose was to brainstorm on the way forward in addressing the challenge and moreover, work on modalities to combat the filth that has engulfed most communities of the region. Mr. Woyongo in his presentation expressed total resentment about the way people litter around with impunity. The practice he noted would assume an uncontrollable dimension if stringent measures are not put in place to address the challenge. He described the situation as an ‘’unfortunate development” and urged all and sundry to show remorse by partnering the various district and municipal assemblies in tackling the issue considering the health implications of indiscriminate littering. Mr. Woyongo use the cholera situation in Greater Accra and other major cities as a case study, and called on stakeholders to live above reproach and educate their people on the need to adapt to best sanitary practices to avoid communicable diseases. To him, the health sector of the region does not have the requisite personnel and logistics to combat any eventual outbreak of cholera among other related diseases, hence the need to exercise caution on waste disposal. . He later declared a ‘zero tolerance for filth in the Upper East’ and pronounced April 29, 2011 as a day for massive clean up exercise in the region. The day, he said, should be observed as such, since all shops and business outlets would be closed to ensure that the exercise takes off smoothly. Mr. Woyongo additionally directed the various MDCEs to set aside special days for clean up exercises to help combat filth in the region. He also charged them to enforce the existing sanitary bye-laws and hold offenders accountable for their deeds. This way, he noted, would make the people conscious of their activities with regards to sanitation. According to him his outfit will as a matter of concern institute reward packages for districts that achieve success in that regard and encourage them to intensify their education on sanitation. The Talensi-Nabdam District Chief Executive, Madam Vivian Anarfo challenged polythene and sachet water producers to contribute their quota in fighting the menace, since they are the major contributors. Participants also charged them to institute prudent waste management practices in ensuring that plastic materials after use are collected for recycling. Heads of the various educational institutions were also encouraged to sensitize their teachers to inculcate in students, best sanitary practices to help them grow with it.
GBC END IA/