Metropolitan Assembly Turns to Whatsapp to Fight Waste

Ebola textingThe Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has stepped up its fight against indiscriminate dumping of waste following the introduction a WhatsApp platform, with the aid of citizens, to prosecute individuals who dump waste in drains.

The AMA is thus urging citizens to report people seen throwing refuse into drains by sharing pictures of such persons via a special WhatsApp line they have introduced.

The Assembly already has the sanitation court in place to prosecute individuals who flout sanitation laws, and have assured they will continue to dredge major drains like the Korle Lagoon and the Odaw to prevent flooding and choking of rubbish.

The AMA Public Relations officer, Numo Blafo, said the introduction of the Whatsapp platform will go a a long way to help them tackle the the menace.

Mr. Blafo said, “What we are even doing now is that we have set up a WhatsApp line and when you see people actually dumping refuse into drains and you can take an image of that person, add the location and the AMA will follow up. If we are able to arrest such a person, it is the image that we will use in court as evidence to prosecute the person,” he added.

The special WhatsApp line is 0207935381.

Mr. Blafo also assured that the AMA is putting in place adequate measures to prevent a cholera outbreak this year.

The Ministry of Health last week issued a cholera alert ahead of the rains, confirming one case in Accra. But Mr. Blafo stated that education on prevention is the AMA’s priority.

According to him, “We are rather telling them to do things that will prevent them from getting the diseases than they getting it and seeking for medical assistance later.”

 

 

 

 

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