Last Tuesday, July 20, residents of Attakrom in the Akuapem South Municipality, Eastern Region, were relieved when a 30-year-old refuse heap in the town was finally cleared.

Zoomlion Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, carried out the evacuation as part of the government's Clean Ghana Initiative in the region.

For years, the towering heap of refuse had been a major concern for the residents. Its pungent smell not only caused discomfort but also led to the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and malaria in the town.

During rainy periods, the smell became unbearable, making it difficult for people to approach the dumpsite or even pass by. The Odikro of Attakrom, Nana Anoma Amoani, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and made a request to the government for assistance. In response, the government, in partnership with Zoomlion, came to their rescue by clearing the refuse.

Nana Anoma Amoani conveyed his gratitude to both the government and Zoomlion for their prompt action, which brought relief to the inhabitants of Attakrom.

Faustina Shardey, the Eastern Regional Coordinator of Zoomlion, assured the community that they would be provided with a new container to dispose of their refuse at the same location. The container would be emptied regularly, based on the rate of refuse generation in the town.

The government's Clean Ghana Agenda aims to clean up all communities and towns affected by filth in the region, ultimately reducing the prevalence of diseases like malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.

Paul Mensah, the Akuapem South Municipal Environmental Officer, praised Zoomlion and the government for addressing the health hazard posed by the decades-long refuse heap. The evacuation has brought relief to the residents, who no longer have to endure the foul smell and the associated health risks.

A resident, Rahinatu Alhassan, expressed her joy and relief that the refuse heap, which had been a source of various diseases and discomfort, had finally been removed. Now, the town can breathe easy and live in a cleaner and healthier environment.