Zoomlion begins disinfection and disinfestation exercise across Upper East Region

Zoomlion Ghana Limited kicked off a week-long disinfection and disinfestation campaign across all 15 municipalities and districts in Ghana's Upper East Region. The initiative aims to curb disease outbreaks during the high rainfall season by focusing on public spaces and sanitation facilities that could harbor disease vectors and pathogens. These areas include public toilets, markets, schools, health facilities, communal waste containers, dumping sites, and drainage systems.

The exercise is part of a nationwide program led by Zoomlion in partnership with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enhance environmental sanitation and disease prevention. Although the Upper East Region did not face the recent floods in southern Ghana, the rainy season conditions prompted the intervention.

Kojo Njabore Upon, Zoomlion's Upper East Regional Manager, explained that rainfall and runoff can transport contaminants from open defecation, poor waste disposal, and other unsanitary practices into drains, water bodies, and public spaces, potentially raising the risk of disease transmission, such as cholera, especially in communities with inadequate sanitation.

Upon clarified that the exercise targets disinfection and disinfestation and does not encompass general refuse collection. However, waste evacuation and clearing can be executed in specific communities as part of separate sanitation programs if needed. He emphasized that sanitation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. To underscore this point, he urged residents to actively participate in National Sanitation Day activities and assume greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their homes, businesses, and communities.

Upon stressed that continuous disinfection and disinfestation will not yield lasting results if waste, debris, and other unsanitary conditions remain unchecked.

Charles Yinbil Awuni, the Upper East Regional Environmental and Sanitation Officer, welcomed the initiative, calling it timely during the rainy season. He appealed to residents to support the effort by keeping their surroundings clean, avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal, and embracing responsible sanitation practices. Zoomlion stated that the week-long initiative aims to bolster environmental sanitation and reduce potential disease risks across the Upper East Region.

The company urged residents to view cleanliness and proper waste management as continuous responsibilities essential for safeguarding public health and fostering cleaner, healthier communities.