The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing environmental cleanup at the Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) site in Accra.
According to him, the dramatic clearing of the vast rubbish heaps demonstrates what effective resource allocation and unified action can accomplish.
Speaking during a monitoring visit to evaluate the cleanup drive, the Minister observed that the visual transformation of the location is already striking, despite being well ahead of the initial 90-day timeline set for the project.
Touching on the national sanitation output, he pointed out that the successful effort proves Ghana has the capacity to deal with any rubbish problem.
“If we are able to clear this heap, I don’t think there’s any waste in this country that cannot be cleared. And I don’t think there’s any waste that cannot be managed,” he said.
Looking beyond the current exercise, Mr Ayariga stressed the urgent need to safeguard the reclaimed land from encroachment, as plans are underway by the government to establish an industrial park on the grounds.
“We need to protect the area as we work towards that vision,” he emphasised.
He outlined temporary measures for the site, explaining that government intends to cover parts of the reclaimed space while establishing public infrastructure such as walkways to serve residents living in adjoining communities.
Upon wrapping up operations in the capital, the DRIP team is expected to move its heavy machinery to other regions. The machinery will be deployed to support key public works, such as constructing dams, building water storage facilities, advancing agricultural projects, and tackling regional waste issues.
Expressing optimism that the team will finish ahead of the 90-day benchmark, the Minister reiterated that such equipment must remain active across the country to resolve similar environmental challenges.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
