Govt owes Zoomlion GH¢1.2bn for unpaid waste management services – minister reveals

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, discussed Ghana's sanitation challenges. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and private waste management companies like Zoomlion.

Ibrahim noted that they are working closely with Zoomlion to improve waste management. Their focus is particularly on recycling plastic waste. He praised Zoomlion for its advanced sanitation infrastructure.

According to Ibrahim, Zoomlion has made significant investments in modern waste treatment facilities. The government lacks the necessary infrastructure to manage increasing waste volumes in cities. He stated that Zoomlion’s commitment to building these systems is unmatched.

He acknowledged the government's shortcomings in infrastructure and stressed urgent public-private partnerships. The Minister highlighted that Zoomlion's role extends beyond waste collection to include faecal waste management.

Ibrahim warned of a potential nationwide sanitation crisis if Zoomlion stops operations. He recalled past practices where faecal waste was dumped into the sea, causing health hazards.

Zoomlion’s liquid waste recycling plants now convert sewage into compost and charcoal. This aligns with a 2016 ban on sea disposal initiated by former President John Dramani Mahama.

Ibrahim called for more government attention to sanitation issues. He cited a cholera outbreak in coastal regions like Cape Coast, Winneba, and Takoradi on October 24, 2023. He advocated for increased public education on sanitation risks to prevent future outbreaks.

Additionally, he revealed that the government owes Zoomlion GHC 1.2 billion for services over two years. This debt was inherited from the previous administration and remains a concern for the current government.

Despite this financial burden, he reiterated the importance of collaboration with private firms like Zoomlion to tackle Ghana's waste management challenges effectively.