The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) convened a critical meeting to address growing concerns over waste management services in Airport City. Chaired by Deputy Director Mr. Henry, the session brought together key stakeholders, including Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Airport City management, and local officials, to assess challenges and strategize solutions for effective waste collection and disposal.
Key Issues and Discussions
- Confusion Over Waste Management Providers
A major point of contention emerged regarding the official waste collection service provider for Airport City. While Zoomlion stated it was the authorized provider for the Burma Camp electoral area—including Airport City—the Airport City Manager expressed surprise, claiming Daben Company had handled waste collection for the past six to seven years.
Assembly Member Clarifies: The Hon. Assembly Member for Burma Camp Electoral Area, who chairs the Airport Zonal Council, confirmed that Daben was never the official provider but was only engaged temporarily when Zoomlion faced logistical challenges.
Municipal Environmental Health Officer supported this, explaining that Daben was a stopgap measure during Zoomlion’s operational difficulties.
- Service Gaps and Contractual Challenges
Zoomlion’s representative disclosed ongoing struggles to formalize agreements with major facilities in the area:
Atlantic Tower: Proposal sent, but no response after initial discussions.
Marriott Hotel: Requested services for two months but failed to sign a long-term contract.
The Airport City Manager pushed back, stating their waste is treated at the Ghana Airport sewage plant (near Prestige Structure) and that they pay monthly for the service. He urged Zoomlion to improve efficiency and pricing to remain competitive.
- Unauthorized “Borla Taxis” and Workforce Concerns
The Deputy Director raised concerns about:
Illegal waste collectors (“borla taxis”) operating without regulation.
Youth Employment Agency (YEA) staff issues: Only 1 out of 83 workers was seen on-site, with reports of unpaid salaries for over a year, risking service breakdowns.
A meeting with these operators is planned to streamline their operations while ensuring compliance with Assembly regulations.
- Sanitation Day Revival
The Assembly is awaiting a directive from the Local Government Minister to restart the monthly Sanitation Day initiative, which Zoomlion has pledged to support logistically. Meanwhile, LaDMA is considering proceeding independently if delays persist.
Agreed Next Steps
Follow-up Meeting: Scheduled for the weekend (as operators often skip weekday invitations).
Document Review: Airport City to provide Daben contract details for verification.
Service Formalization: Zoomlion to submit a comprehensive plan for facility agreements.
Regulation of Informal Collectors: Assembly to meet “borla taxi” operators for proper oversight.
YEA Staff Audit: Investigation into missing workers and unpaid salaries.
Conclusion:
The meeting highlighted critical gaps in waste management coordination but also set a clear path for resolution. With stronger oversight, improved service agreements, and stakeholder collaboration,
LaDMA aims to enhance sanitation standards in Airport City and across the municipality.