Mahama Ayariga outlines plans to transform sanitation system in Greater Accra

The government is gearing up for a comprehensive overhaul of sanitation infrastructure in Greater Accra, according to Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, Ayariga unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the region's waste management system.

Ayariga outlined plans to divide Greater Accra into operational sanitation blocks, each supported by dedicated landfill and transfer facilities. Smaller transfer stations would also be strategically located to facilitate waste collection and processing. These infrastructure upgrades will enable more efficient waste management and disposal across the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (MMA).

In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, Ayariga announced plans to enforce source separation of waste at the household level through a two-bin system. This will encourage residents to segregate recyclable from non-recyclable waste at the source, promoting more sustainable waste management practices. The implementation of this system will be supported by digital tracking mechanisms and appropriate penalties for non-compliance.

The Minister emphasized that sanitation will be fully integrated into the Medium-Term Development Plans and budgets of Greater Accra's Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Clear performance indicators will be established to measure progress and enhance accountability among MMDAs in delivering sanitation services.

Furthermore, Ayariga proposed the deployment of electric tricycles for waste collection, optimizing night-time waste collection operations. A fully cashless fee collection system will be introduced, linked to mobile money and other electronic payment platforms, making it easier for residents to pay for sanitation services while reducing the reliance on cash-based transactions.