The streets of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality were a hive of activity this past Saturday as residents, Assembly staff, and community leaders joined hands for the revived National Sanitation Day exercise. The event, spearheaded by the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), saw a collective effort to clean and beautify the community, emphasizing a shared responsibility for public health and environmental cleanliness.
The clean-up drive, which took place on October 5th, was part of a nationwide initiative to reinvigorate the culture of communal sanitation. Key figures, including the Deputy Minister of Local Government and the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, were on hand to lead by example.
“The President’s vision for this revived exercise is clear: to safeguard public health, enhance the aesthetic of our communities, and promote national pride and tourism,” stated Hon. Sowah, underscoring the broader significance of the day.
Echoing this sentiment, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, issued a firm reminder to residents about their civic duties. He cautioned that the Assembly would soon begin to enforce sanitation by-laws more rigorously. “Before the next sanitation day, people who refuse to keep their surroundings clean will be sanctioned,” the MCE announced, signaling a move towards stricter enforcement to ensure lasting change.
A Community-Wide Effort
The exercise kicked off early in the morning, with teams fanning out across key areas including La Market Complex, Tseado, the Koko Storm Drain, Labone, and the 37 Lorry Station. Activities included:
- Sweeping and clearing of streets and public spaces.
- Desilting choked gutters to prevent flooding.
- Weeding open spaces to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
- Collecting and properly disposing of accumulated refuse.
The clean-up was a collaborative effort, bringing together Assembly Members, the DE Blessing Foundation, security personnel, community leaders, and enthusiastic residents. The involvement of local leaders was pivotal in mobilizing the youth and ensuring the exercise was conducted in an orderly manner.
Preparation and Public Engagement
In the week leading up to the event, the Assembly’s Information Services Department embarked on an extensive public awareness campaign. Using a public address system, announcement teams visited communities and public spaces to inform residents about the exercise and encourage widespread participation.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the overall success, the exercise highlighted some ongoing challenges. Organizers noted low participation in some areas, a shortage of tools like rakes and wheelbarrows, and delays in refuse collection due to limited vehicles. The persistent issue of indiscriminate waste disposal by some residents also remains a concern.
In response, the Assembly has outlined key recommendations for future exercises, which include:
- Intensifying public education on the importance of sustained cleanliness.
- Providing adequate logistics and protective equipment for volunteers.
- Ensuring timely waste collection to prevent post-clean-up littering.
- Strengthening the enforcement of sanitation by-laws to deter offenders.
A Cleaner, Healthier Future for LaDMA
The National Sanitation Day exercise was a significant step towards a cleaner La Dade-Kotopon. The Assembly expressed its profound gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders and residents to maintain the momentum.
“The success of this exercise is a testament to what we can achieve together,” a statement from LaDMA read. “We encourage continuous community cooperation as we work towards our common goal of a cleaner, greener, and healthier municipality for all.”