By Michael Owusu Duodu
Duayaw-Nkwanta, (Ahafo), May 12, GNA – Mr Pius Sampson Opoku, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in the Ahafo Region has given an assurance that the Assembly is committed to improve Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in the municipality.
He said the Assembly intended to integrate WASH activities into its Medium-Term Development Plan to promote sustainable water and sanitation service delivery.
Mr Opoku gave the assurance when speaking at an inception meeting on the nation’s ‘WASH Master Plan’ at Duayaw-Nkwanta.
The meeting was organised by the IRC, Ghana, a technical support group in collaboration with the Assembly aimed at strengthening safe water policies and regulations.
Mr Opoku said WASH remained a strategic initiative to protect public health and promote sustainable water management practices too.
“We embrace and accept the WASH master plan and the Assembly commit to providing resources towards its effective and efficient implementation in order for the municipality to derive the optimum benefit,” he stated.
Mr Jeremiah Atengdem, Water Expert at IRC, Ghana, explained that the IRC remained committed to supporting the government to ensure safe water, good hygiene and sanitation.
That, he added, would put the nation on the edge to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs six) of ensuring access to safe water and basic sanitation for all by 2030.
Mr Atengdem indicated that the IRC, Ghana was also helping the six District and Municipal Assemblies in the Region to implement the nation’s “WASH Master Plan” effectively.
This, he said, was not a statutory requirement, but however was appropriate for the Assemblies to incorporate the plan in their Medium-Term Development Plans for budgetary allocation.
“Just like the government financial system, the WASH project cannot be implemented without funding,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by Nana Nsowa Diawuo Kokroko, the Kuonahene (sub-chief) of the Duayaw-Nkwanta Traditional Council; Mr Jacob Adade Ntiamoah, the Ahafo Regional Development Planning Officer; and Mr Eric Adomako, the Tano North Municipal Coordinating Director.
Other participants include Mr Samuel Essandor, the Tano North Municipal Planning Officer; Mr Houston Michael Boakye, the Presiding Member of the Tano North Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders.
GNA
DEN/BM