Residents of Koforidua Old Estate in New Juaben South Municipality in the Eastern Region have kicked against the development of a waste collection center for an infrastructural project by the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi.
The residents contend that the area has served as a waste collection center for many years, that, when removed without alternative, it will affect sanitation in the community since residents will have no dedicated place to dump their solid waste.
Addressing the issue during engagement with the community on Sunday, April 11, 2021, the MP explained that,
“In 2018, State Housing Company complained about the dumping site in the Old Estate that it was affecting their ratings in terms of sanitation. So they wanted to sell the land to a private developer but I decided to purchase the land in 2020 for the community so that I construct an event center, library, and a Police post. We will build NPP office there if there is still enough land available “.
He continued “I purchased the land as a Member of Parliament for over 1 million cedis. We decided to start the project at a go for completion within six months but the residents rejected the project that they still want to use the land as a dumping site .so how can someone invest over a million cedis to purchase land and another six million to build this edifice for the community and still be opposed”.
The MP said, despite the effort made in supplying each household’s waste bin, many still prefer to dump their waste on the earmarked land.
Michael Okyere Baafi said, broader consultation is still underway hoping residents understand the initiative.
During an open forum, the residents blamed the misunderstanding over lack of information and broad consultation.
They said contractors on site refused to answer questions on the ownership and the purpose of the project.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
