By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu (Bo City)
In a strategic move to address the escalating issue of illegal waste disposal, the Bo City Council convened community chiefs last week for a crucial discussion on sustainable waste management strategies within the city.
The Council has faced challenges in waste management, attributing a significant portion to the behavior of residents. Instances of garbage being recklessly dumped along streets, particularly in the central business district, have surged in recent months. Shockingly, some residents are reportedly outsourcing their household waste disposal to individuals with mental health issues, contributing to an unsightly and unsanitary urban landscape.
Deputy Chief Administrator Henry Powell emphasized the vital role of community leaders in city development during the engagement. Powell urged the chiefs, particularly from areas such as Njagboima, Dodo section, Samamie, and Durba, to actively enforce the Council’s waste management community by-law. This by-law aims to curb illegal dumping and maintain a cleaner environment.
Mayor Kobba Musa stressed the urgency of the situation, asserting that failure to combat illegal dumping would jeopardize public health and well-being. He called upon the chiefs to wholeheartedly commit to the fight against this detrimental practice.
In response, the chiefs pledged their collaboration with the Bo City Council, acknowledging the severity of illegal waste dumping in their respective communities. They expressed their intent to convey the message to the Paramount Chief and to establish an effective environmental court. This court will hold offenders accountable, imposing fines as punitive measures and deterrents against future violations.
Applauding the whistleblower policy embedded in the waste management community by-law, the chiefs highlighted its potential effectiveness. The policy offers a 20% reward to individuals reporting illegal dumping, creating an incentive for community members to actively participate in maintaining a cleaner and healthier Bo City.