C/R: Over 1,500 sprayers deployed ahead of school reopening

Zoomlion Ghana Limited as part of a nationwide disinfection exercise has commenced the spraying of Central region ahead of the reopening of schools.

The exercise commenced concurrently on Wednesday at the Cape Coast University and Komenda College of Education in the Cape Coast Metropolitan and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem District respectively.

The move forms part of efforts to augment government’s effort in the fight against COVID-19 whilst academic work is in session across the country.

President Akufo-Addo announced that all schools including kindergarten, primary and JHS are scheduled to reopen on the 15^th of January 2021, whilst SHS 1 and tertiary institutions are expected to reopen on 10 and 9^th January, 2021 respectively

However, SHS 2 and 3 are expected to reopen on the 18^th January, 2021

Speaking in an interview with the Central Regional Vector Control Manager, Mr Gideon Sogbe, he said about 1,500 spraying operatives have been deployed for the disinfection exercise in the central region.

In addition, 200 machines for the exercise have been deployed.

He said during the regional disinfection exercise in the region as part of nationwide disinfection exercise to create a conducive and a safer environment for teaching and learning.

Among the institutions he mentioned includes the University of Cape Coast, Komenda College of Education, University of Education Winneba, Ola Training College and Perez University.

According to him, this is the fourth phase Zoomlion Ghana LTD is embarking on a nationwide disinfection exercise since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March, 2020 in the country.

He said, duration for this exercise is expected to last for three days across 11 universities in the region and same done every semester.

Director of Public Affairs at the University of Cape Coast, Major Kofi Baah Bentum Rtd. said the school is fully prepared to welcome students back.

He commended Zoomlion Ghana LTD for the effort to collaborate with government in the fight against COVID-19.

He indicated that the institution will maintain the regular school, an online platform, and has also secure the Ndoum School of Business as three key approaches in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

With the online platform, he emphasized that students will be on campus whilst they participate in the online learning.

As part of the arrangements, the university has constructed two large lecture theatres to accommodate students to provide social distancing protocol within the lecture theatres.

He added that the institution will ensure 'a no face mask no entry' in the lecture theatre policy.

According to him, the university is expecting about 8,000 students in the 2020/2021 academic year.

At the Komenda College of Education, the Principal for the institution Very Reverend Dr. Kwesi Nkum Wilson pointed out that the institution had made preparations to undertake similar exercise.

He said the institution has taken measures to expand facilities including the construction of the lady’s residence, procurement of 200 metal beds and 300 mattresses all in the fight against COVID-19.

Also, the institution is making efforts to produce liquid soaps and other disinfectants after government’s aid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

On Monday January 3, the Managing Director (MD) of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Gloria Anti, pointed out that, as part of the company’s commitment in supporting government to tackle vectors, an association called Pests and Vectors Association of Ghana (PEVAG) has been established to deal with the disease causing vectors.

Zoomlion Ghana Limited during an exhibition demonstrated its readiness to complement government's efforts at sanitising, disinfecting, and fumigating the academic institutions.

The company showcased 50 atomizers, 10 street sweepers, 5,000 motorised spraying machines, 5,000 Knapsack sprayers, 100 drones and 5,000 handheld thermal foggers.

“We also have a workforce of over seven thousand (7,000) spraying Gangs across the country who are well trained with skills to carry out disinfection and fumigation operations,” she said.