THE STATE OF GHANA’S SANITATION AND HOW THE DISTRIBUTION OF 1 MILLION WASTE-BINS CAN HELP IMPROVE IT
storage, collection and disposal methods as stated by the Ghana Statistical Services. The situation looks grim and requires urgent interventions.
Limited availability of temporary storage receptacles (waste-bins) and poor refuse collection practices from premises have led to problems such as the use of drains as refuse disposal holders. This activity has further compounded the problem by turning the drains turned into open sewers emanating putrid smells and breeding of vermin, flies and mosquitoes. This situation is pervasive and contributes significantly to public health issues in most of Ghana’s communities.
Additionally, inadequate facilities for storage of solid waste have been a major challenge in the pre-collection stage of the solid waste management to service providers. The proposed prescribed waste-bins play a major role in effective waste management by promoting effective storage against scattering of waste by wind and rodents hence spreading diseases and distorting the aesthetic nature of the environment. It also guarantees the occupational health and safety of the drivers and janitors who collect the solid-waste.
The cost of a 240 litre waste-bin, which is the standard container for domestic waste storage, is estimated to be between 200 and 400 Ghana cedis. It is for this reason that there is an urgent need for support in the acquisition of waste-bins. It is our belief that this project will go a long way to significantly address the nagging issue of inadequate appropriate waste-bins for the storage of domestic solid waste.
The project acknowledges the important role of MMDAs and private sector (service providers) to the success of the project.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the (2016) population estimated for Ghana was 28,303,308 people with an average household size of 5 resulting in an average of 5,660,662 households across the country.
Ghana Statistical Service’s 2010 Housing and Population Census recorded only 3.11% of 5,064,485 households as using appropriate solid waste containers. The successful distribution will improve the coverage to an estimated 18% of our current population.
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