Waste management and sanitation of Grand Nokoué: Relief for the populations of Godomey

A few months after the launch of garbage collection by the Grand Nokoué Waste Management and Sanitation Company (Sgds-GN), the populations of the district of Godomey heave a sigh of relief and urge the authorities to do more and better.

Announced by the Beninese government, the project to set up a company for waste management and sanitation in the municipalities of Porto-Novo, Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah and Sèmè-Podji is now in its realization phase in these cities.

A Abomey-Calavi, the staff in charge of pre-collection and waste collection is at work. The same goes for those whose task is to make the city's arteries healthy.. Men and women, accomplishment with great pride in this mission.

 The presence of collection agents in the neighborhoods is signaled by horns. Like an alert message, the garbage is taken out and placed in front of the gates to be loaded. A situation that pleases the population of the town, especially those living in the district of Godomey who appreciate the work done. " Since a while, our streets are clean here in Godomey », suggests Toussaint G. Taxi-motorbike driver and living in Ayimèvo. He adds that “This government initiative comes at the right time, because with the creation of this company, we free the town hall from a task and we allow the company to do the job well as is the case. Our roads are cleaner now, when we go to our neighborhoods, garbage is no longer deposited everywhere. The population knows that such day the collection agents will come. It is a relief ".

 Just like Toussaint, Rabiath Z. is delighted with what is now being done in waste management "If things can continue like this, we will be very happy. Twice a week, collection agents come to our neighborhood (Cococodji) with their rolling stock to collect garbage free of charge. This allows us to no longer carry our waste on our heads to go and dump it in marshy areas ”. The housewife of 40 years, however, puts a damper on his enthusiasm by talking about the number of times the agents of the company spend in households. "Two days out of five, it is little since we produce waste every day. If in each neighborhood they can set up garbage bins if they do not come every day, this will allow us to empty our houses when necessary because we often have to, when they are not there, to go to the usual places ", she confides. Dame Ablawa is a street vendor, she is sorry that the collection agents do not come to her neighborhood, which, according to her, is difficult to access. She hopes that a solution will be found to allow people living in this neighborhood to benefit from the services of the collection company..

Even if significant efforts are already being made by the company, it is necessary that the latter improve its services For the moment, residents of neighborhoods in these cities, especially those of Godomey, reassure them to collaborate well with the various agents to facilitate their task in carrying out this sanitation mission.

Firmin KASSAGA