The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Chief Executive, Elizabeth Sackey, has inaugurated a newly completed institutional toilet facility at Ayalolo 3 Basic and Mamprobi Sempe cluster of schools, aiming to enhance sanitation and hygiene within the metropolis.
The project, funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) and part of the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihood Improvement Project (GASSLIP) under the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, comprises 14-seater sanitation facilities featuring eight pupil’s privy rooms, two teachers’ privy rooms, two disability-friendly rooms, septic tank provisions, connections to Ghana water, BH mechanisation, and rainwater harvesting facilities.
The facility includes 1N.r 10000L and 2N.r 3000L water tanks, and 17 N.r rubbish bins.
Additionally, the initiative includes 12-seater sanitation facilities with six pupil’s private rooms, two teachers’ private rooms, and two disability-friendly rooms, similar provisions for septic tank connections to Ghana water, HB mechanisation, rainwater harvesting facilities, 1N.r 10000L and 2N.r 3000L water tanks, and 15 N.r rubbish bins.
During the handover ceremony, Mayor Elizabeth Sackey acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the Government of Ghana in making the project a reality. She highlighted the inclusive design of the facilities, ensuring accessibility for all students, including those with physical disabilities.
“We have ensured that the facilities are accessible to physically challenged students and have dedicated spaces for girls to manage their menstrual hygiene. This will prevent students from having to leave school premises to address their personal hygiene needs, ensuring their safety and comfort,” Mayor Sackey stated.
She urged school authorities and students to maintain the facilities to enhance community sanitation and ensure their longevity. Mayor Sackey also revealed that approximately sixty similar projects are ongoing nationwide.
The project contractor and managing director of Winampang Limited, Alhaji Suleman Bukari, emphasized the importance of proper usage to maintain the quality of the new edifice.
He addressed concerns regarding the specifications of the sitter water closet (WC) and pan system, explaining that the pan system was chosen to reduce diseases and infections among female users. He also highlighted the construction of spaces for physically challenged individuals to promote inclusion.
Headmistress of Mamprobi Sempe Basic School, Madam Naomi Vincentia Addo, expressed her gratitude for the new facilities, noting the immediate positive impact on student safety and attendance. “Previously, some of the children would leave the compound and not return, but with these facilities on site, they have no reason to leave. This ensures they remain on school grounds and focus on their studies,” she said.
Madam Addo emphasized the school’s commitment to maintaining the facility, mentioning several training sessions and involvement of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to assist with providing necessary items for effective cleanup activities.
The students expressed their appreciation to the mayor and AMA for providing the facility, promising to adopt best practices to ensure its maintenance for future use.