Daily Waste Accumulation in KMA Can Fill Over 500 Tricycles, Says Director

Mr. Prosper Kotoka, the Director of Waste Management at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has unveiled that the daily waste accumulation in KMA surpasses the capacity of over 500 tricycles.

During an interview with Samuel Kwaw on Nkwantannaso on June 2, Mr. Kotoka highlighted the recent procurement of new 1000L bins and trucks by the assembly to tackle this pressing waste management issue head-on.

According to him, KMA generates a substantial 517 tonnes of waste every day, with organic waste accounting for 40% of the total volume. 

To put this into perspective, he explained, “A tricycle can carry approximately 1 tonne of waste, which means we would require over 500 tricycles just to transport our daily waste output.”

To address this challenge, the KMA has devised a new initiative whereby two bins will be strategically placed at every 500-metre interval in key areas such as Roman Hill, Pampaso, Dr. Mensah, and Mbrom. 

Mr. Kotoka emphasised that this initiative comes at a cost, and details regarding the financial implications will be communicated to the hawkers, traders, and residents in these specific areas.

He also issued a warning to those who illicitly dispose of waste from their homes in towns, cautioning them to be wary of the presence of CCTV cameras. 

“We have surveillance systems in place, and only authorised personnel are allowed to move or carry out repairs on the bins.” 

He mentioned that the organic waste collected in the designated bin will be utilised to generate compost. 

The KMA’s efforts, along with the support and cooperation of residents, traders, and hawkers, will play a vital role in creating a cleaner and more sustainable Kumasi for present and future generations.