Mr Alfred Okoh Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Tuesday stated that the assembly would ensure that contractors responsible for refuse collection operate efficiently and effectively. In addition, the assembly would hold them responsible for the supply of waste bins to every household in the metropolis. Mr Vanderpuije made the remarks when distributing a consignment of 5,000 pieces of 240-litre waste bins to houses in some areas in the metropolis. The beneficiary areas included Korle Gonno and Mamprobi in the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan Area, Osu Klottey and James Town in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metropolitan Area. Distribution of the waste bins was in fulfilment of the assembly's promise to support the management of nine companies contracted for solid waste collection services. The companies are mandated to provide waste bins to every household in the metropolis. Under the arrangement, the houses would be registered and provided free waste-bins, after which the occupants would pay GH¢10 monthly to the contractors for the weekly emptying of the waste-bins. Mr Vanderpuije said the assembly would stop the use of central containers as refuse dumps in the communities by the end of the month. "Personnel from the assembly's health inspectorate will follow up to ensure that residents pay for their bins to be emptied," he added. Mr Vanderpuije said the assembly's efforts were to ensure good sanitation and an end to indiscriminate disposal of refuse in Accra and prevention of malaria and diarrhoea caused by poor sanitation. Residents in the areas visited, commended Mr Vanderpuije for providing the waste-bins but pleaded with the contractors to ensure that they emptied them regularly as promised in order to create a congenial atmosphere. Others complained that the amount being charged for the collection was too high and pleaded with the contractors for reduction. Nana Ama Adobea, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Waste, the contractor in-charge of Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan Area however, said the amount was appropriate considering the increase in the price of fuel. She said occupants of any household that refused to pay would be prosecuted. Nana Adobea said her company had so far distributed 10,000 waste bins in the area. Source: GNA