COMMUNITY SENSITIZATION ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND FLOOD MITIGATION AT ABLEKUMA CURVE

-ON 29TH DE3CEMBER, 2023.

The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project is a World Bank funded project aimed at improving flood risk and solid waste management in the Odow River Basin in the Greater Accra Region as well as improving access to basic infrastructure and services in targeted communities within the basin.
The second face of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project, GRAID PCU has successfully taken place at Ablekuma curve and its environs within the Ga Central municipality on the 29th of December 2023.
The program was aimed at educating residents within the Ablekuma curve municipality about the importance of responsible waste disposal practices and flood mitigation measures both in their homes and workplaces. The program was carried out by NADMO officers, officers from the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit and selected members of the GARID team was a significant step toward achieving a cleaner and more environmentally conscious municipality.
The Head of Hydrometeorological Department, NADMO, John Quarshie Doku together with Bernard Edah, Head of Geological Department, NADMO, Salima Aggor, Assistant Environmental Health Analyst, Ebenezer O. Lamptey, Disaster Control Officer, Samuel Aidoo, Anyaa Zonal Director, NADMO, Kennedy Anin, Information officer, Mary Dagbah, Director for NCCE, and other departments from the assembly participated in the success of the program raising awareness about the consequences of improper waste disposal and the need for proactive flood prevention measures.

SENSITIZATION MESSAGE
The sensitization focused on the following messages:
Importance of proper waste disposal and its impact on the environment and public health.
Responsible waste disposal habits, such as recycling, proper segregation, and reduced use of single-use plastics.
Causes and consequences of flooding and provide strategies to mitigate flooding risks.

SENSITIZATION ACTIVITIES
On the designated day, the team was divided into four (4) groups, each responsible for visiting a specific section of the market.
The sensitization activities included, Teams engaged participants in one-on-one discussions, addressing their questions and concerns related to waste disposal and flooding, some demonstration on proper waste segregation were conducted to illustrate effective waste management.

IMPACT AND FEEDBACK The sensitization campaign generated a significant impact. Many participants expressed surprise at the extent of their lack of knowledge regarding waste management and flooding. The campaign effectively raised awareness about the consequences of improper waste disposal and the need for proactive flood prevention measures. Several participants expressed their intention to change their waste disposal habits after understanding the environmental consequences of irresponsible practices. Some participants also urged the Assembly to mobilize community self-help programs and intensify prosecution of recalcitrant persons for improved sanitation in the municipality. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many commending the Assembly for its proactive approach to addressing local environmental challenges.

CONCLUSION The program successfully educated residents of Ablekuma curve about waste management and flood mitigation. The event's impact was evident in increased awareness and positive feedback from participants, indicating a positive shift in attitudes and behaviours toward environmental sustainability.

REPORT BY: INFO. / PR UNIT