By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Anyako (VR), March 10, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has appealed to local authorities, including chiefs, elders, and landowners, to cooperate with the government on development projects.
He lamented that acquiring land for projects like CHPS compounds, schools, and water supply systems, among others, has been challenging in the region which has hindered progress in many communities.
Mr Gunu made the appeal during commissioning of Anyako-Seva Water Supply Project, in the Keta municipality, and noted that the government initiative was expected to provide clean water to the communities.
“We need to thank President John Dramani Mahama and the government for prioritising the project, which includes a solar-powered pumping system and smart tap standpipes, even though we have faced few challenge along the way,” he said.
Mr emphasised that the government was ever ready to develop every community to alleviate the plight of the good citizen and land owners such as chiefs and community elders should coorperate and help government to establish projects for the improvement of all.
He said that government would have it difficult to implement any development projects if beneficiary communities have refused to provide the necessary lands for the project, which would in a long round affect the growth and development of every single individual in the areas.
“Government might not have power over anybody’s land, but when the development project comes, please let us release the land for it. It is of our own benefit and that of generations unborn. Let us come together and build our beloved country, Ghana.”
He explained that the water project at Anyako was expected to improve health, dignity, and daily lives of residents, who had struggled with water scarcity for nearly two decades and announced plans to extend household pipe-borne water connections between June and December this year.
He commended the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, contractors, and traditional authorities for their cooperation and patience which he also emphasised that access to safe water is a basic human right and a key aspect of improving livelihoods and accelerating development in the Volta Region.
Mr Vincent Kuagbenu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, expressed joy and gratitude over the commissioning of the Anyako-Konu-Seva water system and described the event as historic, which marked the end to a 20-year struggle for clean water in the community.
He explained that the water crisis had brought untold hardship to the people of Anyako with the community struggling over the years to find substitutes for potable water.
“Through this initiative, the socio-economic life of the community will be severely impacted, and small-scale businesses expected to relapse and the local Senior High School which closes down periodically due to lack of water will be happy now.”
He said teachers, nurses, and other workers were reluctant to accept postings to the community due to the water shortage while chief and opinion leaders had tried to restore the system, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
He stressed that prior to the 2024 general election, he worked with Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Keta MP to campaigned on a promise to bring clean water to the community due to President John Dramani Mahama’s track record of development and the people have voted massively for the answer to their water crisis.
“Today, the community has come to celebrate the fulfillment of that promise. Let thank the Head of Klevia Clan, Togbi Badu IV, for providing the land for the project, as well as the President, the sector Minister, the CEO, and all those who contributed to the project’s success.”
He said that the people of Anyako-Konu-Seva were grateful for the project’s completion, which would improve their socio-economic life and provide a better future for the community.
He appealed to the chiefs, elders, and landowners to help the government and provide all the necessary items including land for the construction of some vital projects that would benefit communities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo