By Yussif Ibrahim
Diawuoso (Ash), March 25, GNA – AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, has provided water systems for three of its host communities under its Community Water Systems Initiative, ending years of lack of access to potable water in the communities.
The communities which include Diawuoso, Sanso and Kokoteasua are the latest to benefit from the company’s corporate social responsibility after providing same facilities for Kwabrafosu, Creeki, Bedieso and Ntosua in 2023.
The initiative seeks to resolve sanitation and hygiene challenges heightened by limited access to clean water in the communities.
To complement this, the company has decided to rehabilitate five existing wells in the communities.
Nana Kwaku Yarfi, the Odikro of Diawuoso, at a handing over ceremony, narrated how residents had to trek long distances to get access to safe drinking water.
He was optimistic that the water system in the community would improve sanitation and save residents the cost of buying sachet water.
He commended the Obuasi Mine for its commitment towards improving the welfare of members of their host communities.
The Chief charged his people to remain resolute behind the Mine, emphasising that it was only when the Mine had the peace of mind to operate that it could extend support and development to the communities.
Mr. Edmond Oduro Agyei, the Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, said the Mine recognised the struggles some communities went through with limited access to safe drinking water despite efforts by government and other stakeholders to improve the situation.
The facility worth GHS 3,693,640, he noted, represented hope, progress, and a reminder that investing in water infrastructure was an investment in the health and vitality of the communities.
“The water projects represent one of the several initiatives under our 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan, which has among its outcomes, to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in the communities in which we operate”, Mr. Agyei added.
The Community Relations Manager bemoaned the pollution level of the Jimi River, which serves as water supply for Obuasi and the AGA Foundation, affecting the clean water supply for the people.
Residents of the Diawuoso community could not hide their excitement after waiting several years to get access to clean and safe drinking water.
Georgina Asante, a trader, said, “Now commuting long distances to fetch water has become a thing of the past.”
Next to benefit from AngloGold Ashanti’s Community Water Systems Initiative are Ewiase, New Nsuta, Auntie Bee, and Sampsonkrom communities.
GNA
KOM/KOA