SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE SET TO BENEFIT FROM AIR POLLUTION PROGRAMME.
Sokoban Wood Village, the largest wood hub at Sokoban suburb of Kumasi, has been chosen by the People's Dialogue on Human Settlement, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with finding from Clean Air Fund to address air pollution challenge.
Activities such as timber operations, charcoal production, and scrap metal processing commonly seen at the Sokoban Wood Village have been identified as major contributors to air pollution in the area.
Old Fadama in Accra and Tema New Town which have also been identified as area of high levels of air pollution are part of piloted air pollution programme being implemented by People’s Dialogue on Human Settlement.
Environmental protection experts say high levels of air pollution have severe impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents hence the need to devise measures to reduce its impact.
The community engagement durbar was attended by traditional leaders, assembly member, unit committee members, timber merchants, traders, youth, women's and students.
During the event, representatives from People's Dialogue and the Clean Air Fund stressed on the dangers of air pollution and the need for collective effort to minimize its harmful effects.
Addressing the durbar, the Project Coordinator for People's Dialogue on Human Settlements, Mr. Hamza Bawa Mahama explained that, the programme includes air quality monitoring and assessment, community education, and awareness campaigns.
Other components of the programme, he said were training on alternative livelihoods, sustainable wood processing practices, and support for community-led initiatives to reduce pollution.
The programme, per his explanation was going to have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the community, and also serve as a model for other wood processing hubs in the region.
Victoria Owusu Tawiah, a representative of Clean Air Fund stated that, the Fund was committed to supporting the air pollution programme to improving air quality and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
Mr. Cyril Amudzi, an Environmental Health Officer of KMA expressed the Assembly's readiness to support the Programme to succeed.
He said the KMA was ready to work together with NGOs to find solutions, and make their communities a healthier place to live.
" By this support, we are going to tackle a major cause of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and lung cancer, and protect the environment collectively", he emphasized.
Community members enthusiastically welcomed the programme ,sharing their experiences and concerns about the impact of air pollution on their health and livelihoods.
They expressed gratitude for the initiative and pledged their support for successful execution of the programme.