The Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly is urgently appealing for the replacement of a critical, broken-down skip truck, a move necessitated by disruptions to waste management operations. This appeal comes as Parliament’s Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources conducts a nationwide review of service delivery, engaging with local authorities on pressing challenges. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Dr Matthew Kofi Ayer, highlighted the issue during the Committee’s visit to Bogoso, emphasizing the truck’s central role in waste hauling.
Context of the Visit
The parliamentary committee’s visit to the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality is part of a broader mandate. Members of Parliament are touring various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country. Their objective is to gain firsthand insight into the operational challenges faced by these local government bodies in delivering essential sanitation and water services. This engagement aims to gather crucial stakeholder input to inform future policy recommendations and governmental interventions.
Waste Management Woes
Dr Ayer explicitly stated that the malfunctioning skip truck is the “engine of waste haulage” for the municipality. Without this vital piece of equipment, the Assembly is compelled to contract private ‘aboboyaa’ operators for waste transportation. This reliance on external services imposes a significant and unexpected financial burden on the local authority, diverting funds that could be used for other development initiatives.
The MCE acknowledged the support the Assembly has received and specifically commended Zoomlion Ghana Limited for its contributions to waste management efforts. However, he stressed that the current situation, exacerbated by the broken-down truck, is unsustainable and hampers effective waste collection and disposal.
Water Supply Initiatives
Beyond sanitation, the assembly also provided an update on water access improvements. Dr Ayer reported that efforts to expand potable water supply have been ongoing. The local Member of Parliament facilitated the construction of 10 new boreholes, and the Municipal Assembly added another 17, bringing the total number of newly installed boreholes to 27. These initiatives aim to increase access to clean drinking water for residents.
Parliamentary Oversight and Accountability
Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, a committee member and MP for Salaga North, explained the purpose of their nationwide tour. She confirmed that the committee is actively engaging with MMDAs, waste management companies, and water service providers. The goal is to identify bottlenecks and challenges hindering service delivery.
John Oti Bless, Chairman of the Committee, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving sanitation, emphasizing its status as a key priority. He also raised concerns about financial deductions related to fumigation contracts, seeking clarity on whether these are deducted at source.
Furthermore, Mr Oti Bless announced plans for a live, nationwide accountability session. During this broadcast, MMDAs will be required to publicly account for the utilization of funds allocated for sanitation and water services. This initiative is designed to foster greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
Financial Constraints and Interventions
Mr Jerry Kuma, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, provided a technical overview. He disclosed that while the Assembly receives 10 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for sanitation, this allocation is insufficient to meet the escalating demands. Despite these financial constraints, the Assembly has implemented several measures.
These interventions include maintaining nine operational waste containers out of eleven and recruiting 33 sanitation workers. With additional staff supported by internally generated funds, the sanitation workforce now exceeds 60 individuals actively engaged in sanitation activities across the municipality. Mr Kuma also highlighted upcoming plans to desilt gutters, a crucial step in preventing flooding and improving overall environmental health.
Looking Ahead
The urgent need for a replacement skip truck in Prestea Huni-Valley remains a critical issue. As the parliamentary committee continues its oversight functions and prepares for public accountability sessions, the focus will likely remain on ensuring adequate resources and efficient management of sanitation and water services. The success of these efforts will depend on addressing infrastructural deficits, optimizing financial allocations, and fostering robust accountability mechanisms across all MMDAs.
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