The journey towards Ghana's development seems to be taking a slow turn (from where I stand). We seem to be having major difficulties in tackling basic issues such as health, sanitation and education. Many have attributed the slow pace at which the country is developing to the attitude of citizens. The “what can government do for me” syndrome among us cannot be overemphasized.
A major issue we have been battling with over the years is SANITATION. Despite several interventions by government and other private sectors in tackling the poor sanitation system in the country, we seem not to be making any headway in tackling the menace. This according to many is as a result of the “Ghanaian mentality” with regard to sanitation. People continue to throw rubbish indiscriminately without recourse to the law.
Accra was declared a 'Millennium city' in 2012. Every time I sit in a commercial bus, 'trotro' going through some principal streets of Accra, I cannot but wonder if truly, Accra deserves that status. There is no doubt that we have some of the finest buildings and roads in the country but the air I breathe when I ply the streets of Accra totally takes my mind off the beautiful scenes.
So I try hard to find out where the 'aroma' is coming from. Because I mostly use a 'trotro' I look around in the bus to check if the funny smell is coming from within. When I am certain it isn't, I look through the window of the car. And there! The 'aroma' hits me very hard in the nose.
Most of the drains in the principal streets of Accra are uncovered; no wonder the 'aroma' hits me every time I use those roads. Sometimes the 'aroma' is so intense that I have to hold my breath for some minutes. I then ask myself “how did the 'aroma' get to this part of the street?”
The answer is not farfetched. We throw everything in our drains, from kitchen waste to industrial waste. As we close the chapter of 2012 and open a new one for 2013, I hope we all make a conscious effort in improving the sanitation in the country; from our homes, market places and on our streets. I sincerely wish to breathe pleasant aroma on our streets in 2013.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Written by: NABIL AHMED RUFAI/ www.bildebussy.wordpress.com/[email protected]
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