The waste management company, Zoomlion, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, has said the Sanitation and Pollution Levy was paying off.
According to the company, the collaboration between the government and private sector to recycle the country’s waste was taking shape.
Through the collaboration, 16 Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs) were being constructed across the country, with 10 due for operation by end of year.
The tax handle, 10 pesewas per a litre of petroleum product, amidst opposition, was introduced in 2021 to aid in the management of both liquid and solid waste in the country.
Speaking with journalists after a tour to inspect progress of work on some facilities in Kumasi on Friday, Senior Communications Officer at the Zoomlion, Adams Mohammed Mahama, said the levy had been helpful.
“It has helped us in doing what you have seen on this trip. The plants you have seen are world standard plants. We couldn’t have installed these plants without the support of the levy and government in general,” Mr Mahama said.
Urging the government to continue with its support for the sector, Mr Mahama pleaded that funds be released on time for the execution of projects.
“In as much as we appreciate government’s support, we call on it to release the funds promptly. We know that times are hard and we understand if there are some delays, but if the funds are released on time, it will help us do more.”
According to Mr Mahama, Zoomlion and the government’s partnership did not only focus on waste management in the country’s big cities, but a comprehensive national project to keep the country clean.
Zoomlion’s commitment to a clean Ghana and job creation in the waste management value chain, Mr Mahama said, remained undiluted as he urged Ghanaians to support local businesses.
The tour took the team to IRECOP sites at Ho, Dambai, Tamale, Damango, Sunyani, Gaoso and Kumasi.
With the Ho, Tamale and Sunyani facilities at about 90 per of completion, the Dambai, Damango and Goaso plants have been completed and were ready to start operation.
The second line of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, the biggest of such facility in the West African sub region, had been installed and would also be in full operation by end of the year.
FROM JULIUS YAO PETETSI, KUMASI
