Ninth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Ghana like most developing countries is undergoing a rapid population growth and this affects and limits the effectiveness of environmental structures. Cholera epidemics have been an ‘annual ritual’ and communities within the Accra record the highest number of cases. This study assesses the households’, communities’ and local governments’ preparedness and response to cholera epidemics in indigenous communities in La and Chorkor. The research used a rapid assessment tool and a community based-survey. From the findings, sanitation and solid waste are the most severe environmental burdens in La and Chorkor. The socio-environmental conditions in La is better than Chorkor. Comparing results with previous studies, conditions in La have gotten better whiles that of Chorkor have worsened. Based on the secondary data, cholera cases over the years have been higher in La than Chorkor nonetheless, cholera cases in the years 2015 was surprisingly low and this buttress the fact that conditions in the area have improved and that of Chorkor worsened. Preparedness and response level in La was better than Chorkor. Although there were efforts in mitigating cholera, these efforts were challenged by general apathy and bad behavioural practices of residents, lack of cholera preparedness and response framework and inadequate material and human resources. The study concluded that, the household, community and Local government in La and Chorkor were not prepared hence will not respond effectively to mitigate cholera epidemics. The study recommends strict enforcement of bylaws, infrastructural and social improvement in conditions, resourcing of Assemblies, and education.