By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Mehutem (W/R), February 23, GNA-The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) has handed over a 40,000-liter small town water project to the residents of Mehutem in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
The Foundation undertook the project worth GH¢365,000 to help reduce water scarcity and related health issues in the beneficiary community and its environs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Abdel-Razak Yakubu, the Executive Secretary of GFGF, said this was among the last project they were undertaking as a Foundation in Damang host community.
He pointed out that since Gold Fields operations of the Damang Mine was soon coming to an end, they had not necessarily slowed down on projects.
He assured residents that the Foundation would continue to provide projects in those communities if they were needed.
According to Yakubu, that was a testament to the good relationship that existed between the communities and the Mine, and they were so proud of that.
Dr. Magdalene Bakari, the lead specialist for health services for Gold Fields Ghana (GFG), indicated that water was vital to health, adding, if they wanted people to consume clean water, food, and keep their places clean, water was essential.
She advised the community to support those who would be selected to manage the facility to take good care of it to serve the intended purpose.
Mr. Appiah Acheampong, the Planning officer for Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly, lauded GFG, saying, they had performed a great job for the assembly, especially in Huni-Valley.
He said the assembly had not invested much there because it had been covered by Gold Fields, stressing that, “Once Gold Fields is leaving us, it will affect the assembly. We hope the new company will replicate what they did for us.”
Mr Acheampong suggested that the community members should come together and agree on a fee everyone could pay to enable them raise funds to maintain the project regularly.
“GFG, Damang Mine, is not around anymore for the community to depend on for maintenance works, hence you should unite and work as a team” he added.
Nana Obaatanpa Kojo Etroo I, the Odikro of Mile 10, expressed gratitude to the GFGF for the kind gesture.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah