ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SANITATION

DESILTING EXERCISE CARRIED OUT ALONG KPONE KOKOMPE MTN JUNCTION TO KPONE BARRIER

INTRODUCTION

The desilting exercise was conducted from Monday 17^th to Thursday 20^th February, 2025 along the Kpone Kokompe MTN junction to Kpone barrier stretch. This exercise aimed to clear the drains of solid particles, silt, plastics, and other debris that had accumulated and were causing blockages.

BACKGROUND

The drains along the Kpone Kokompe MTN junction to Kpone barrier stretch had become severely clogged due to the accumulation of solid particles, silt, plastics, and other debris. This blockage posed serious risks to the environment, public health, and safety. The exercise aimed to address these concerns and restore the proper flow of water through the drains.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the desilting exercise were:

To clear the drains of solid particles, silt, plastics, and other debris.
To restore the proper flow of water through the drains.
To reduce the risk of flooding and environmental pollution.
To promote public health and safety.

METHODOLOGY

The exercise employed a combination of backhoe and tipper trucks to remove the debris and silt from the drains. The operation was carefully planned and executed to minimize disruptions to traffic and daily activities.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Successful Desilting: The drains were successfully cleared of solid particles, silt, plastics, and other debris.
Restored Water Flow: The proper flow of water through the drains was restored, reducing the risk of flooding and environmental pollution.
Improved Public Health and Safety: The removal of debris and silt from the drains reduced the risk of disease transmission and accidents.
Enhanced Environmental Conditions: The exercise contributed to improved environmental conditions, reducing the risk of environmental pollution and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED

Logistical Challenges: Coordinating the movement of backhoe and tipper trucks required careful planning to avoid disruptions to traffic and daily activities.
Community Engagement: While the exercise was successful, it highlighted the need for increased community awareness and education on proper waste management practices.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Regular Desilting Exercises: Schedule regular desilting exercises to maintain the drains’ cleanliness and prevent blockages.
Community Education and Awareness: Develop and implement community education programs to promote proper waste management practices and encourage active participation in maintaining a clean environment

CONCLUSION

The desilting exercise conducted from Kpone Kokompe MTN junction to Kpone barrier was a resounding success. It not only restored the proper flow of water through the drains but also promoted public health and safety, and enhanced environmental conditions. We are committed to sustaining this effort and exploring opportunities for community engagement and education on proper waste management practices.

REPORT IN PICTURES

REPORT ON CLEAN-UP EXERCISE AT KATAMANSO

The clean-up exercise, held at Katamanso on Saturday, 8^th February, 2025, was a resounding success. The event, which commenced at 6:40am and concluded at 12:56pm, brought together over 360 participants from various sectors of the community.

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

The primary objective of the exercise was to clean up the environment, focusing on streets, open spaces, and public drains. The scope of the exercise included sweeping, weeding, and desilting, utilizing both manual labor and mechanical equipment, such as backhoes.

PRE-EXERCISE ORIENTATION

Prior to the commencement of the exercise, the Municipal Environmental Health Analyst, George Freeman, educated the participants on the methodology of the exercise and the importance of keeping the environment clean. He emphasized that sanitation is a shared responsibility, requiring collective effort to maintain a clean environment. He also highlighted the numerous benefits of keeping the environment clean, including preventing the spread of diseases, promoting public health, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the community.

KEY ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPANTS

The exercise kicked off at the Katamanso school junction, where participants gathered to begin the clean-up process.
The Paramount Chief for Katamanso addressed the participants after the program, commending their efforts and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
The NCCE vehicle was utilized for public announcements and sensitization, guided by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Assembly.
Hon. Assembly Member Joshua Bortey played a crucial role in mobilizing participants, joining Environmental Health staff to ensure a strong turnout.
Participants included the Paramount Chief and his sub chiefs, Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Mohammed Ali Amadu; Municipal Environmental Health Analyst, George Freeman; Hon. Assembly members; artisans; transport unions; market women; traders; Environmental Health Officers; Heads of Department and Units of the Assembly, staff of the Assembly and staff of Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

POST-EXERCISE REFRESHMENTS

After the exercise, participants were refreshed and revitalized, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to maintaining a clean environment.

OUTCOMES AND IMPACT

The exercise resulted in the collection of significant amounts of refuse, silt, and other waste, which were disposed of in a sanitary manner using skip trucks and tricycles.
The clean-up exercise demonstrated the community’s commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.
The event also fostered collaboration and teamwork among participants from diverse backgrounds, strengthening community bonds and promoting social cohesion.

CONCLUSION

The Katamanso clean-up exercise was a successful initiative that brought together community members, local authorities, and stakeholders to promote environmental cleanliness and community engagement. The exercise demonstrated the power of collective action in achieving a common goal and sets a positive precedent for future community-led initiatives.

REPORT IN PICTURES

CLEAN UP EXERCISE REPORT: KPONE BARRIER TO BEL- AQUA STRETCH, SATURDAY, 2^ND NOVEMBER, 2024.

Introduction

On Saturday, 2nd November 2024, a clean-up exercise was conducted along the Kpone barrier to Bel-Aqua stretch. The event aimed to promote environmental sanitation, community pride, and public health awareness.

Attendees

The clean-up exercise was attended by:

Honourable Assembly Members
Opinion Leaders
Traders
Assembly Staff
Zoomlion Workers
Drivers And Their Mates
Community Members

Clean-up Activities

During the exercise, the following areas were cleaned:

Road median and shoulders
Drainage systems
Open spaces and green areas
Removal of litter, debris, and weeds

Waste Management

The refuse and debris collected during the exercise were disposed of in a sanitary manner at the designated landfill site.

Recommendations

Sustain the gains made during the clean-up exercise, we recommend:

Regular clean-up exercises along the stretch
Community-led waste management initiatives
Public education campaigns on environmental sanitation and hygiene practices
Collaboration with stakeholders to address underlying environmental and health challenges

Acknowledgments

The Municipal Co-ordinating Director Mr Mohammed Ali Amadu on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive expressed gratitude to all attendees, stakeholders, and partners who contributed to the success of the clean-up exercise. Your commitment to environmental sanitation and community development is appreciated.

Conclusion

The clean-up exercise along the Kpone barrier to Bel-Aqua stretch was a success, demonstrating the power of community collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The event improved the physical environment, promoted community pride, and raised public health awareness.

REPORT IN PICTURES