AHINSAN RESIDENTS BATTLE KSI ABATTOIR
Residents of Ahinsan in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti region are up in
arms against the Kumasi Abattoir Company for refusing to properly dispose of
by-products from the meat processing organization.
The company has for many
years being discharging untreated faecal matter and blood from slaughtered
animals directly into a stream that flows through the community resulting in a
heavy contamination of the once reliable source of water.
Consequently, the
stream which has now become dark brown has not only unfit for any purpose, but
has been emitting a very strong stench leaving the residents and visitors
uncomfortable to stay around the place.
Ashanti Today can confirm reports that, aside from people living along the stream,
it lies in the middle of a popular mechanics workshop where a number of master
mechanics and mechanic apprentices ply their trade for a living.
According to
the Master mechanics due to the strong stench from the stream, many prospective
customers refuse to do business with them when they are hit by the odour.
The
Assembly Member for the Ahinsan Electoral Area, James Okyere, shared in the
concerns of the mechanics saying that he had complained about the uncomfortable
situation to the Environmental Protection Agency, Management of the Kumasi
Abattoir and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly with a view to getting those
authorities to attend to the problem.
However, Mr. Okyere lamented that none of
those duty bearers has shown interest in finding a solution to the problem.
The
Assembly Member expressed the hope, however, that following the newly created
Asokwa Municipal Assembly would give it a priority.
A Departmental Director of
the South Central Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church which head office
is located within the vicinity, Pastor Jonathan Owusu, noted that, as a result
of the situation, membership of the Ahinsan Congregation has seen a decline.
Play
soundbite of Pastor Owusu
On his part, the Medical Director of the Adventist Hospital, Dr. Agyenim
Boateng, noted that apart from causing discomfort caused by the stench, the
pollution is also exposing the residents, staff and patients of the hospital to
diseases such as typhoid fever and malaria for which reason, the authorities
must quickly find a lasting solution to the problem.
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