I write as a concerned resident of Dunkwa-on-Offin to draw the attention of the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly to the current state of the refuse dump at the Central Market.
In recent times, the refuse dump at the Central Market has been placed under a new managed arrangement. However, those currently in charge appear to lack discipline, although the Assembly occasionally makes efforts by removing the waste containers.
The most alarming development is the continuous burning of the refuse. At first, this was assumed to be a one-time incident, but for over two months now, the waste has been burned daily from morning through the night. This practice has resulted in severe air pollution affecting the Central Market and the wider Dodge City area.
The dumpsite is dangerously located in the heart of the town, exposing residents to thick smoke on a daily basis. This poses serious long-term health risks, particularly to children. Residents living near the dumpsite are suffering greatly from this avoidable practice. Instead of adopting safer waste management methods, burning has become the chosen strategy, filling our homes with smoke.
Burning refuse dumps poses serious dangers to human health, the environment, and the community.
They forget that open burning often breaches public health and environmental laws despite health implications.
Burning refuse dumps is a dangerous and outdated waste management practice. Safer alternatives, such as proper waste collection, recycling, composting, and sanitary landfilling, should be adopted to protect public health and the environment.
Surprisingly, these actions are carried out with complete impunity, showing no regard for the well-being of residents or even for their own safety. This reflects a serious lack of discipline and responsibility.
I could elaborate further, but I will rest my case here.
Thank you.
