Shops, markets to close in flood hit regions for national clean up

Shops, markets, commercial establishments, corporate organisations and other non essential businesses in the seven flood affected regions are to remain closed from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday to allow for a nationwide flood aftermath clean up exercise.

The exercise, directed by President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to mobilise government institutions, security agencies, private organisations, community groups and residents to clear debris and restore sanitation in communities affected by the recent floods. Institutions providing essential and emergency services have been exempted from the closure directive.

A press release issued  by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in Accra  today said the exercise would run from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both today, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, across the affected regions.

According to the ministry, today’s exercise would involve all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), public and private institutions, security services, educational institutions, waste management companies and the general public.

Tomorrow’s exercise, it said, would focus on community participation, with residents, community based and volunteer groups, security services and MMDAs, supported by waste management companies, expected to lead the clean up activities.

The ministry said the temporary closure of businesses was intended to ensure full public participation and facilitate the effective execution of the exercise.

It explained that only institutions providing essential and emergency services would be permitted to operate during the designated hours.

The ministry appealed to residents, businesses, transport operators, traditional authorities, religious organisations and other stakeholders to support the exercise.

It urged all citizens to cooperate fully with the authorities to help restore clean, healthy and resilient communities in the aftermath of the floods.

The two day exercise formed part of government’s response measures aimed at improving environmental sanitation and reducing the risk of further flooding in vulnerable communities.

BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG