Toilet waste from a public facility is being discharged directly into the Aboabo Stream, raising health alarms.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) uncovered the issue during a desilting exercise at Anloga Junction in Kumasi. They observed a pipe linked to the stream, which was discharging untreated toilet waste, leading to faecal contamination.
NADMO traced the source to a nearby public toilet facility. The discovery left officials shocked, considering the potential impact on community health and the environment.
The Aboabo Stream is already burdened with plastic, metal, and paper waste. The addition of faecal waste intensifies health threats and contributes to flooding in the area.
Toilet Waste Contamination of Stream Endangers Agriculture and Public Health
Some local farmers rely on water from the stream to irrigate their crops. The presence of faecal matter in toilet waste raises serious concerns about food safety and potential disease transmission.
Contaminated water used in irrigation could expose consumers to harmful pathogens. This situation highlights the urgent need for improved sanitation and waste management infrastructure in the municipality.
As part of their intervention, NADMO began desilting the Aboabo Stream to restore its flow and reduce flood risk. While working, officials discovered the pipe discharging toilet waste and immediately investigated.
Their findings confirmed that a public toilet facility was the source of the illegal discharge. The revelation underscores the need for tighter monitoring of sanitation facilities in urban areas.
Prince Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, NADMO’s Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer, described the situation as alarming. He assured the public that corrective steps are being taken under the directive of the Regional Director.
Efforts are now focused on stopping the discharge of toilet waste and preventing further contamination. Authorities are also considering long-term measures to protect the stream and safeguard public health.
