AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION ASSISTS LA IN CLEAN UP EXERCISE

By Ebenezer Hanson

As part of activities marking this year’s “Clean Up the World” event, the Australian High Commission in conjunction with Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, an NGO, has supported the people of La to clean up the environment.

The September 16 exercise, attracted hundreds of volunteers whom the High Commission assisted with protective clothing and footwear, tools, waste disposal facilities, transportation and promotional materials. The Commission also donated a fogging machine to Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation.

“Clean up the World” activities took place on the same day in over 100 countries around world. The event had its origins in Australia about 15years ago, with ‘Clean up Australia Day’ when over 4000 people worked to clean up Sydney Harbour and its shoreline. This led to the formation of the “Clean up the World ” organization based in Sydney, which has since 1993 helped promote annual clean- up programmes in almost every country in the world.

Addressing the volunteers at he end of the exercise, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Jonathan Richardson stressed that Clean-up activities are not just about cleaner streets, beaches and public places.
“It is about preventing degradation of the environment, so that harmful chemicals and substances do not get into water sources, in the soil or in the atmosphere. It is also about sanitation-removing rubbish and waste, which serve as breeding ground for malaria and other diseases.

According to him, clean-up is also about civic pride and that communities who get together like this for a common purpose are setting an example for their fellow country men and women not just only in making cleaner cities but for a better environment.

Mr. Richardson also noted that development can only come from the efforts of the people of developing countries through their initiative, their creativity, their organization and their determination to get things done.
Government and agencies from outside can help plant seeds, but ultimately development comes from within.
The Minister for Tourism and Diasporan Affairs, Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey commended the people of La for their huge turnout for the exercise.
He said filthy environment engender health problems and therefore, such activities should not be a nine-day wonder but must be continually done.
The La Mantse Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru thanked the Australian High Commission and the Accra metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for providing support in the form of equipment.
The Australian High Commission presented certificates of appreciation to the seven clans of La and other identifiable groups and institutions who are associated with the La Township.