The Environmental Services Providers Association (ESPA), is pleading with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, to deepen its support to the private sector by allocating more funds and fixing a realistic tariffs (cost recovery) to enable the sector to be more efficient and attract more investors and the desired leverage.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of ESPA, Madam Ama Ofori-Antwi when given an address during the launch of Ghana Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector Development Programme (GWASHSDP) held in Accra.
“Regarding the fee fixing, there appears to be a disconnect between the Ministry of Local Government under which the district assemblies are responsible for fixing the rates, and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources. I would like to take this opportunity to urge our ever-supportive sector Minister, Hon. Cecelia Abena Dapaah to use her good office to address this challenge for my members.(MSWR is our mother ministry)”.
She congratulated Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources for instituted such a wonderful initiative and assured that, the private sector would continue to inject huge investments in the form of machinery (for both solid and liquid waste), and innovation. “We are now experts in the service provision chain and have taken up leadership in the Environmental Sanitation sector”.
Madam Ama Ofori-Antwi on behalf of the Association, reiterated their support and commitment to the government in ensuring that the initiative succeeds. “Our doors remain open for any discussions regarding this project and any others that seek to improve environmental sanitation for our collective health and well-being”.
The private sector she averred, plays a vital role in the economy by creating jobs, providing goods and services, and stimulating economic growth hence, the statement that the private sector is the engine of growth.
She applauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, for establishing a strong partnership with the private sector.
“The establishment of 16 Integrated recycling and compost plants in all the regions in Ghana is just one of the many projects being executed. Indeed, the construction of these massive projects would not have been possible without the support of our sector minister, Honourable Cecilia Abena Dapaah, for which the private sector recognizes and appreciates her efforts”.
Madam Antwi therefore, congratulated the government on the initiative of the Ghana Water and Sanitation and Hygiene Sector for Development Programme (GWASHSDP) which spans from now to 2030
ESPA, is an association of private waste contractors established in 2001 to partner the government in addressing the challenges associated with waste management in the cities and communities.
The private sector has so far discharged its role creditably over the years and continues to play an important role in Ghana’s sanitation sector with the support of all key stakeholders.