The District Environmental Health Officer for Agotime-Ziope, Ms Millicent Mensah, has called on residents to adopt responsible environmental practices to safeguard public health and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations.
Speaking during activities commemorating World Environment Day, Ms Mensah stressed that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and requires the active participation of every resident. She urged community members to take ownership of their surroundings and contribute to efforts aimed at improving sanitation across the district.
According to her, a clean environment is essential for healthy living and sustainable development. She noted that improper waste disposal remains one of the major environmental challenges confronting the district.
“The environment has been entrusted to us, and it is our duty to preserve it for future generations. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining clean and healthy communities,” she said.
Ms Mensah expressed concern over the growing practice of dumping refuse into drains and waterways.
She explained that such actions not only block drainage systems but also contaminate water sources used by residents, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and other waterborne infections.
She also warned against bush burning, especially during the dry season, describing it as a destructive practice that damages farms, vegetation and property while contributing to environmental degradation.
On sanitation management, the Environmental Health Officer reminded residents that households and institutions seeking to empty septic tanks must first register with the district office before dislodgement services are undertaken. She said this helps ensure that waste is handled and disposed of properly.
Ms Mensah further disclosed that the district assembly works closely with licensed waste management service providers to transport refuse to approved disposal sites.
She added that the district operates a controlled dumping site where waste is managed under regulated conditions to protect the environment.
Touching on access to safe water, she highlighted ongoing public education campaigns on proper water treatment and storage practices.
Environmental Health Officers, she said, regularly distribute water treatment tablets and advise residents to boil or filter water before drinking when necessary.
She also commended World Vision Ghana and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency for supporting access to potable water through mechanised boreholes and treated water systems.
In addition, the government has allocated resources for the construction of more boreholes in underserved communities.
Ms Mensah expressed optimism that these interventions would improve access to clean water, reduce disease outbreaks and promote healthier living conditions throughout the district.
