Fishermen at the new Harbour commissioned in Jamestown Fishing in Accra have expressed deep concerns over the persistent pollution of the beachfront by plastics and organic waste. The surrounding area is also plagued by open defecation, further degrading the environment. Jamestown, a key fishing community in the Greater Accra Region, is home to over a thousand active artisanal fishermen.
The recent construction of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo, has brought a significant boost to local fishing activities. The project includes cold storage facilities, a selling area, and a dry dock for trawler repairs, which the fishermen have hailed as a major government achievement. Crowds frequently visit the harbour to witness the transformation at the landing beach.
However, the fishermen face challenges with the new facility, notably the lack of a windbreak, which has led to rough tides causing damage to their canoes. Despite these setbacks, many fish processors reliant on the fishermen’s catch have praised the construction of the new harbour.
While the new harbour should serve as a model for cleanliness, the area has instead become a dumping ground for plastics, polyester, and organic waste, with some pollutants contaminating marine life. Poorly managed waste from nearby homes frequently ends up in the sea, and open defecation around the docking area is rampant.
Fishermen have voiced their concerns, calling for an immediate cleanup of pollutants to protect marine life, reduce contamination of harvested fish, and prevent disease outbreaks linked to poor sanitation. In the meantime, naval officers stationed at the harbour are urged to enforce stricter sanitary regulations to improve the situation.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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