Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, an environmental advocate, has said the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drains and water channels continued to block the free flow of water.
This leads to perennial flooding experienced in many parts of the country.
It is, therefore, unpatriotic to throw refuse into water bodies and people engaged in the act have been advised to desist from dumping refuse in water bodies and gutters to prevent flooding as the rains set in.
Speaking to Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Kumasi, Nana Sarpong said human activities such as dumping garbage into waterways and encroaching on drainage systems significantly contribute to flood disasters, destruction of property and loss of lives.
He stressed that keeping water bodies clean was a shared responsibility and not solely the duty of government agencies.
He, therefore, called on citizens to adopt responsible sanitation practices, warning that pollution of rivers and streams posed serious health risks, affected water supply and threatened aquatic life.
“There’s the need for urgent action to protect the country’s natural resources,” Nana Sarpong said. He further called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to intensify public education and strictly enforce sanitation by-laws to curb the menace.
He emphasised that, with the onset of the rain, proactive measures including proper waste disposal and protection of waterways would go a long way to reduce flooding across the country.
He further appealed to community leaders, opinion leaders and traditional authorities to take active roles in educating residents on proper waste management practices, especially in flood-prone areas.
Nana Sarpong indicated that local assemblies must also collaborate with sanitation companies to ensure regular waste collection to prevent residents from resorting to indiscriminate dumping.
He underscored the need for the provision of adequate waste bins in communities, markets and public places to make it easier for people to dispose of refuse appropriately.They must not dump rubbish anywhere, he stressed.
Touching climate change, he noted that the increasing intensity of rainfall in the last few days made it even more critical for citizens to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours to minimise the impact of the floods.
Nana Sarpong also called on schools and youth groups to incorporate environmental education into their activities to instill a sense of responsibility in the younger generation.
He advised residents living along riverbanks and waterways to avoid activities that obstructed the natural flow of water, including building structures in unauthorised areas.
He reiterated that collective action and sustained public awareness campaigns would be key to addressing sanitation challenges and reducing the devastating effects of flooding in the country.
GNA
