The Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NiPDA) in collaboration with the assemblyman for the Djangmaku Electoral Area at Old Ningo, has organised a cleanup exercise to desilt the Djangmaku storm drain.

The cleanup exercise covered the Djangmaku gutter to the Djange lagoon.

Mr Simon Kwame Tetteh, the assemblyman for the Djangmaku Electoral Area, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the exercise that the clean-up activity was an initiative to promote a healthier and cleaner environment.

He said that this exercise was designed as part of the National Sanitation Day, a voluntary nationwide cleanup exercise held every first Saturday of the month, with the aim of improving sanitation within the communities.

He called on churches, residents, and other institutions to join in cleanup exercises, as keeping a clean environment requires the community members, not a single person, organisation, or the Assembly.

Mr Tetteh reiterated that a filthy environment, when not taken care of, breeds mosquitoes and might lead to health conditions such as malaria, cholera, and typhoid, among others.

Mr Dennis Teye Fiesu, the Unit Committee Chairman for Djangmaku Electoral Area, pleaded with the assembly to continue creating awareness on the importance of keeping good surroundings while urging residents to manage waste properly.

Madam Evelyn Nani, the Ningo-Prampram District Environmental Officer, stated that the assembly had bylaws and national laws set against the connection of household sewage into public drains; hence, the sensitisation for the public to manage their sewage properly to avoid penalties.

She emphasised that when the Assembly detects any household violating the bylaws continuously without the issuance of a first warning, they are first cautioned and subsequently taken to court.

Madam Nani outlined that the health implications of connecting sewage into public drains and choked gutters lead to typhoid, cholera, and other related diseases.

She added that “an unhealthy person affects the economic aspect of life, causing low productivity.”

The Assembly, as part of the cleanup exercise, engaged in door-to-door and church sensitisation on good sanitation, advising residents on the methods of improving a good environment.

She urged the residents to keep their surroundings clean to promote a good and healthy lifestyle for economic growth and abide by the bylaws governing the area on sanitation.

She encouraged the residents to always call for assistance from the assembly on how to manage their waste.