Post-flood disinfection critical to prevent disease outbreaks — Environmental Health Officer

Richard Donkor, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer for the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region, has emphasized the critical importance of post-flood disinfection and disinfestation to prevent disease outbreaks and protect public health. Donkor explained that floodwaters can carry contaminants, such as those from public toilets, septic tanks, drains, and dumping sites, into communities and public spaces, posing significant health risks.

Speaking to journalists ahead of a large-scale disinfection and disinfestation project by Zoomlion Ghana Limited in collaboration with Greater Accra's MMDAs, Donkor highlighted the need to address the high concentration of pollutants and pathogenic organisms that can lead to serious health issues. The operation is part of a broader program across the region aimed at reducing the spread of disease-causing organisms, flies, mosquitoes, and other public health threats.

Donkor noted that floodwater should not be treated as ordinary wastewater due to its potential to harbor harmful pathogens. He stressed that the exercise was timely to mitigate the health risks posed by the recent flooding, even though it came later than preferred. Despite the delayed start, Donkor praised the support from the Presidency and Zoomlion Ghana Limited and acknowledged the role of media in promoting sanitation, public health, and environmental safety.

The Zoomlion teams cleaned various public and institutional facilities, including the Five-Five Public Toilet at Accra Newtown, sites serving GHS, Ghana Ambulance Service, and GES in Mamobi, as well as dumping sites and sanitation facilities in La Bawleshie, Dansoman, Glefe, and Sowutuom. Donkor urged residents and facility managers to maintain proper sanitation practices and manage waste effectively to support these efforts.