The handover ceremony was spearheaded by the officials of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly.

The new facility features modern sanitary water closets, equipped with advanced flushing systems, cleanable surfaces, and proper ventilation, addressing the significant sanitation challenges faced by hundreds of inhabitants in the area, who previously lacked access to a public lavatory.

During the commissioning, Mr. Simon Kweku Tetteh, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), stressed the critical importance of sanitation and hygiene for the overall health of residents.

He urged residents to discourage open defecation, particularly in light of a recent cholera outbreak linked to poor sanitation practices.

“Sanitation and hygiene are vital for our community's health. Every effort must be made to enhance environmental health,” Mr. Tetteh stated.

He called for an end to the practice of defecating in plastic bags and discarding them irresponsibly, which posed serious health risks.

The MCE, who is also the parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party in Lower Manya, said that the Hwekper facility was part of an extensive sanitation initiative spearheaded by the Assembly.

This includes the construction of approximately 15 toilets across various communities.

He urged residents to maintain the new facility diligently to ensure its longevity.

Mr. Tetteh stated in an interview that the assembly had previously built and rehabilitated toilet facilities in Adjikpo Yokunya, Atua, Okwenya, Agormanya, Akuse Zongo, Odumase-Krobo, Hwekper, and Kpong, among other communities.

This reinforces the assembly’s commitment to improving sanitation in the Lower Manya Krobo municipality.

Mr. Samuel Tetteh, an opinion leader, echoed the sentiments surrounding the necessity of the new facility, noting that prior to its construction, residents without home toilets had to travel to the Odumase-Krobo transport station, placing undue pressure on that facility.

He also highlighted the issue of open defecation occurring at night and expressed optimism that the new toilet facility would help alleviate these sanitation concerns.

As the community embraces this new infrastructure, residents are hopeful that improved sanitation will lead to a healthier and cleaner environment for all.

“In fact, if this facility had not been built, I’m not sure what would have happened the next year about open defecation because the community is in desperate need of public restrooms, and we are grateful to the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly for stepping in, and we will work hard to ensure its longevity,” Mr. Tetteh added.