Over 2,000 ZoomLion workers in the Upper East Region have been on strike for about a month over unpaid allowances, leading to a significant waste management crisis in the Bolgatanga municipality. The strike has resulted in numerous waste sites being abandoned, with large piles of refuse accumulating behind the Bolgatanga butcher’s house, in the Tulbabiisi area, and other locations.
This waste buildup poses serious health risks, increasing the likelihood of cholera outbreaks and providing ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can lead to malaria infections in the community.
Mr. David Adombire, a local mechanic residing near the butcher’s house, expressed his concerns about the worsening situation. He mentioned that he and other residents have reported the issue to their assembly member and the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, but no action has been taken to clear the waste. Adombire noted that the refuse has obstructed water flow in the area, contributing to a foul odor that could trigger health problems.
He urged the municipal assembly to take immediate action to clear the waste, threatening that residents might stop dumping refuse in the area if the situation does not improve.
In an exclusive interview, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Rex Asamga, acknowledged the dire state of the waste sites, stating that he had visited the dumping grounds multiple times. He confirmed that the ongoing strike by ZoomLion workers has severely impacted waste management efforts. Asamga is currently liaising with the regional ZoomLion director and the regional sanitation officer to facilitate the evacuation of waste to ensure a healthier environment.
Asamga explained that the municipality has been divided into two sections: one for ZoomLion workers and another for sanitation workers. He has tasked the municipal assembly’s sanitation workers with managing the areas previously handled by ZoomLion employees to prevent further accumulation of waste.
Regarding allegations that the assembly has not financially supported the sanitation unit, Asamga clarified that he has allocated budget funds to support their activities. He also indicated that plans are underway to pay the striking ZoomLion workers to encourage their return to work.
The ongoing strike by the over 2,000 ZoomLion workers in the Upper East Region has highlighted a looming health crisis that requires urgent attention from local authorities.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya