The initiative, which begins next year, will relieve the huge financial burden on the AMA in its waste management and also overcome the task of clearing waste in Accra.

Currently, the AMA owes its waste collectors about GH¢ 10 million and is only able to collect 400 metric tonnes out of the 2,000 metric tonnes of waste generated daily in the city.

The AMA Chief Executive, Mr. Alfred Vanderpuije, who made this known to the Daily Graphic at the weekend, said the initiative will save the assembly huge sums of money which can be re-directed into development projects in Accra.

The implementation of the programme includes the establishment of a plant for the efficient absorption of waste to produce energy.

Mr. Vanderpuije said the programme will enable the assembly to collect all waste generated in Accra and pay off its debt, as well as generate more revenue for development. At the moment, the AMA collects only 20 per cent of its projected revenue.

He said the initiative is to move away from landfills for the management of waste, because there are no more landfill sites available for that purpose.

Mr. Vanderpuije said the “Waste-to-Energy” programme will begin in January, 2010, with a collection mechanism which will require the separation of waste materials.

He said the efficiency of the programme is guaranteed considering the fact that the plant can absorb all the waste generated in Accra and still have room for more.

Mr. Vanderpuije urged all residents in Accra to be committed to doing things right to help create a new image for Accra and promote a better Ghana.

Source: Daily Graphic