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The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Monday embarked on a clean-up exercise at some 18 dumpsites within Accra as part of efforts to sanitize the city which has been engulfed with filth. The exercise which started at 8:30 pm and was led by the Vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur was to help reduce the impact of cholera. The move followed s a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, to the Local Government Ministry as a matter of urgency to clear all refuse within the metropolis. There is an outbreak of cholera in parts of Accra and the deteriorating waste management and sanitation situation in the capital has been identified as the cause. The closure of the only landfill site in Accra a couple of months ago has led to indiscriminate dumping of waste, and coupled with the recent rainfalls, has created ideal conditions for the spreading of cholera. In La, 197 people have reported sick for cholera, 20 of which have died. The Vice President, Mr Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, led a team of government officials to collect heaps of rubbish at the Agbogbloshie Market, Kokomlemle and Abossey Okai on Monday night. Mr Amissah-Arthur said the government as a matter of urgency has decided on a crises programme to remove all heaps of rubbish in Accra. Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Julius Debrah said two more waste disposal sites at Ga West and Nsawam have been identified to help reduce the pressure on the Kpone Landfill site.