Traders, Mechanics Raise Concerns Over Odour And Congestion At Achimota Waste Station

The reopening of the Achimota Zoompak Waste Transfer Station to support post-flood waste collection is drawing mixed reactions from businesses operating around the facility, as workers complain that the intensified waste disposal exercise is affecting their daily activities.

The transfer station was reopened by the government to help manage the large volumes of waste generated after the recent floods, which left heaps of refuse across several parts of Accra.

Since resuming operations, the facility has been receiving hundreds of refuse tricycles each day from all over Accra, with many operators spending several hours and days in queues before they are able to offload waste.

The increased traffic has led to a noticeable rise in the volume of decomposing waste at the station, producing a persistent odour that mechanics, traders, and transport operators say hangs over the area for most of the day.

Many of them say they spend long hours working in the environment and fear the conditions could have implications for their health if they persist.

Businesses located around the station say the smell has become one of the biggest challenges since the facility resumed operations, with some of them putting their daily hustles on hold.

The traders believe it is discouraging potential customers from spending time in the area, while mechanics say the working environment has become increasingly uncomfortable as waste vehicles continue to arrive throughout the day.

Commercial tricycle operators who transport refuse to the station also say congestion remains a major concern.

They explain that the long waiting times reduce the number of trips they can make in a day, slowing the overall waste evacuation exercise despite the urgent need to clear refuse from flood-affected communities.

Although many of the workers acknowledge the importance of the transfer station in helping authorities manage the aftermath of the floods, they are calling for measures to improve operations.

They want authorities to reopen other transfer stations, increase the facility’s capacity, introduce more efficient waste handling systems, and reduce the waiting time for refuse tricycles to minimise congestion and limit the impact on businesses operating nearby.

The concerns come as Accra continues efforts to clear waste deposited by the recent floods to prevent secondary public health challenges, including blocked drains, pest infestation, and the spread of disease.

Management of the Achimota Zoompak Waste Transfer Station has, however, declined to comment when contacted by 3Music TV, citing the absence of approval from higher authorities.