The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development has pledged to support Zoomlion, a leading environmental services company, in its efforts to improve sanitation in Ghana.
Hon. Sawyerr Maame Pokuah Queenstar MP-Agona East and Chairperson-Local Government and Rural Development Select Committee made this known during a visit to Zoomlion’s IRECOP facility in Ho, Volta Region.
Hon. Sawyerr emphasized the need for sustainability in sanitation efforts, noting that “most things that got started in 2016 will be held on and a different thing is done in 2020, a different thing is done 2024, 2025, I think it’s not helping the country.”
She stressed the importance of continuity, regardless of the government in power, to enable companies like Zoomlion to deliver effectively.
“We need continuation no matter what it is or which government is in power. That is the only thing that can help the private sector to be able to deliver what they intend to do for Mother Ghana.” – Hon. Sewyerr
The Committee expressed concern over Zoomlion’s financial challenges, particularly the non-payment of arrears.
Hon. Sawyerr stated that “we are going to make sure we talk to this current government to let them understand that what we have seen, we can not follow suit what was done before.”
She assured that the Committee would push for change and support Zoomlion in getting the necessary support.
Hon. Sawyerr commended Zoomlion’s efforts, saying, “we are impressed, there are problems, we have made them aware, and I am sure we will come up solutions to address them.”
The Committee reiterated its commitment to work with the private sector, including Zoomlion, to address the identified issues and ensure effective sanitation management in Ghana.
Sophia Kudzordji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at Jospong Group, explaining the rationale behind the visit, said the visit was to enable the Committee to witness firsthand the company’s innovative waste management solutions.
The idea is for them to see what is happening, what investments are being made, what they can glean out of it for discussions, especially in parliament,” Kudzordji emphasized.
According to Madam Sophia, the Committee was impressed by Zoomlion’s state-of-the-art facilities, including medical waste treatment plants. “they didn’t know we have anything like medical waste treatment plant in this part of the country.”
Job Creation and Capacity Building
Kudzordji also emphasized the impact of Zoomlion’s operations on job creation and capacity building.
About 80% of the people working at the Ho facility are from this area,” she said, highlighting the company’s commitment to building livelihoods in local communities.