Military to secure James Town after waste cleanup to prevent illegal dumping, squatting

The military is set to assume responsibility for securing James Town following a government initiative aimed at evacuating vast quantities of waste in the area. Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim Ayariga disclosed that the military will protect the cleared site to deter residents from returning and resuming illegal dumping, as well as prevent squatters from occupying the land.

Ayariga explained that this measure is necessary to ensure that the cleanup effort is not compromised by a recurrence of illegal dumping or unplanned settlements.

Speaking during a visit to waste management facilities, Ayariga highlighted the government's plan to transport the accumulated waste from James Town to the Adipa Waste Management Centre, an engineered landfill in Nsawam, Eastern Region. The military is anticipated to play a crucial role in securing the cleared area post-cleanup. The operation will involve multiple ministries, including Local Government, Defence, Roads and Highways, and Finance, as authorities strategize the logistical aspects of waste removal.

During the assessment of waste management challenges, Ayariga stated that officials are evaluating the volume of waste, the distance to designated landfill sites, and the capacity of available trucks to determine the number of trips and fuel requirements. The government is also striving to identify appropriate receiving sites for the waste, and is exploring broader plans for the redevelopment of James Town following the removal of waste.

The Ministry of Finance is expected to contribute financially to the operation and support redevelopment initiatives. The government emphasizes that this exercise is part of its efforts to tackle persistent sanitation issues in the capital and prevent cleared areas from being repurposed as dumping grounds.