NADMO AZC 10TH ANNIVERSARY WASTE MANAGEMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CLEANLINESS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT 

Disaster management is a multi-faceted approach aimed at minimizing the impact of natural and human-made disasters. While much of the focus is on preparedness, rescue operations, and rehabilitation, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the significance of cleanliness and waste management. When a disaster strikes, the chaos that ensues can lead to a rapid breakdown of hygiene standards and waste disposal systems, which, if not addressed quickly, can exacerbate the disaster's effects. Ga Central Municipal District ( Population size of 332, 232 in 2021) is one of the twenty-nine districts in Greater Accra Region,Ghana. Originally it was formerly part of the then-larger Ga South Municipal District on 29th February 2008, until a small portion of the district was split off to create Ga Central Municipal District on 28th June 2012; thus the remaining part has been retained as Ga South Municipal District (currently known as Weija-Gbawe Municipal District ). The municipality is located in the western part of Greater Accra Region and has Sowutuom as its capital town. 

NADMO Anyaa Zonal Council ( AZC) as part of its activities prior to the celebration of its 10th anniversary on the 31st October 2024, is planning a clean-up exercise and a durbar. In order to ensure holistically cleaned environment of the envisaged areas where the clean-up exercise will be done, some cleaning and construction of drains have already began. 

Theme from the 10th Anniversary: PREPAREDNESS, RESILIENCE, AND UNITY: PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.

Proper cleanliness and waste management are essential not only for immediate recovery but also for long-term public health and safety.

1. Preventing Disease Outbreaks

One of the most immediate risks following a disaster is the outbreak of diseases. Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters often disrupt water supplies and sewage systems, leading to contamination. Stagnant water, debris, and improper waste disposal become breeding grounds for vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and cholera. In the aftermath of disasters like the 2010 Haiti earthquake and various floods, disease outbreaks have worsened the already dire conditions.Proper waste management, including the safe disposal of human waste, medical waste, and garbage, can prevent the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. Rapid deployment of sanitation measures—such as temporary latrines, water purification systems, and the collection of debris—can significantly reduce the chances of large-scale health crises.

2. Maintaining Dignity and Psychological Well-being

Disasters take a heavy toll on the emotional and psychological well-being of those affected. Cleanliness and hygiene may seem secondary during the immediate aftermath, but they play an essential role in restoring a sense of normalcy. In disaster shelters, crowded and unsanitary conditions can lead to discomfort, stress, and tension among survivors.Providing access to clean facilities for bathing, washing clothes, and disposing of waste helps maintain human dignity and can improve morale. Clean environments offer comfort and foster resilience, allowing individuals to focus on recovery rather than being consumed by feelings of helplessness.

3. Ensuring Safe Access to Resources

Disasters often lead to the collapse of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public services. Piles of debris, fallen trees, and scattered waste can block access to critical resources such as food, water, and medical supplies. Swift waste removal efforts are necessary to reopen transport routes and allow the smooth delivery of aid.Additionally, safe waste management practices ensure that hazardous materials, including chemicals, sharp objects, or medical waste, do not pose threats to rescue workers, volunteers, and survivors. Failure to handle such materials correctly can lead to secondary disasters in the form of injuries or contamination.

4. Minimizing Environmental Impact

In the aftermath of a disaster, large amounts of debris are generated, including building materials, household items, organic waste, and sometimes hazardous substances. If not handled properly, this debris can harm ecosystems and further degrade the environment. For instance, improper disposal of plastic waste or hazardous chemicals can pollute rivers and soils, leading to long-term ecological damage.Recycling, composting, and safe disposal techniques are essential components of waste management strategies in disaster recovery. These efforts not only reduce the amount of waste piling up in affected areas but also promote sustainable recovery by preserving the environment for future generations.

5. Supporting Efficient Recovery Operations

A clean and well-organized environment is key to efficient recovery operations. When waste is managed effectively, it allows disaster response teams to focus on restoring essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare without being impeded by hygiene-related issues. Clean shelters, healthcare facilities, and community centers are crucial to ensuring the smooth distribution of resources and services to the affected population.Waste management can also be integrated into employment programs for survivors, offering them an opportunity to contribute to the recovery process while earning a livelihood. Involving local communities in cleanup efforts creates a sense of ownership and empowers them to actively participate in rebuilding their environment.

6. Resilience Building and Future Preparedness 

Incorporating cleanliness and waste management into disaster preparedness plans builds resilience in communities. By establishing effective waste management protocols before a disaster, communities are better equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently. Training programs that teach safe waste disposal methods, emergency sanitation measures, and community-based cleanup initiatives foster a culture of preparedness.Moreover, resilient waste management systems are less likely to collapse during a disaster. Investing in robust infrastructure—such as resilient sewage systems, waste treatment plants, and community waste collection points—ensures continuity even during times of crisis.

Conclusion

Cleanliness and waste management are vital aspects of disaster management that often go unnoticed but can make the difference between chaos and order in the aftermath of a disaster. Ensuring that waste is handled promptly and hygienically not only prevents disease outbreaks and environmental degradation but also supports faster recovery and promotes the well-being of affected communities. By prioritizing cleanliness and waste management, we can mitigate the long-term impact of disasters and build a safer, more resilient future.

More needs to be done as the situation is not the best. Indiscriminate littering of the pavements along the road side is nothing good to write home about. 

The picture below was taken at Ablekuma.

On this note, NADMO AZC will like to use this opportunity to invite all and sundry to its 10th anniversary on the 31st October 2024. 

Activities 

Clean-up and resulting Exercise 6:00AM

DURBAR 11 AM

Everyone is invited and every support is welcomed.

Contact: 0249844230 / 0557662172