By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Anyako (VR), March 10, GNA-The mechanised water project at Anyako in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region has been commissioned to bring relief to beneficiary communities who have been suffering from water issues for decades.
The successful commissioning of the major water supply project is expected to restore hope and improve the living conditions of communities who have struggled over the 20 years for good drinking water.
Mr Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, during the commissioning, stated that, the project, which was completed in less than five months, was expected to provide clean and safe water to the people of Anyako, Konu, Seva and others.
“This $10 US billion project is part of the government’s “Big Push” agenda, aimed at delivering infrastructure investment in critical sectors such as roads, energy, ports, health, education, agriculture, and water. This project represents hope, progress, and empowerment for the communities,” he said.
He explained that the facility includes a pump house, a portable water treatment unit, a transmission pipeline, among others and a distribution network while the system was also designed to deliver clean water directly to doorsteps and standpipes all day round.
He highlighted that the project would bring numerous benefits to the area including reducing water-borne diseases, provision of reliable water for households, schools and clinics and freeing up time for women and children.
Mr Adjei said that the government has taken steps to reform the rural water sector to address previous failures and ensure long-term improvement in rural water service delivery, and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency had been mandated to manage publicly funded water facilities in rural areas.
“The smart taps installed as part of the project will ensure accountability, minimise water waste, and generate revenue to sustain the system. The solar hybrid power system will optimise operations, reduces operational costs, and enhances environmental sustainability.”
The Minister urged the community to help protect and safeguard the water system and emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining the facility and called on residents to report any leakages or faults immediately to authorities for repairs and pay their water bills promptly for smooth and successful water supply.
He commended Mr Vicent Kuagbenu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), the contractor and various consultant teams for their hard work and expertise in delivering the project.
He also recognised the traditional leaders for their role in mobilising support and addressing other challenges for successful completion.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, in his address expressed excitement about the project which was expected to serve as a model for future water projects in the country and promised that the government was committed to improve water supply and infrastructure across the region and the country at large.
He urged the various authorities in charge of the water project to adopt good maintenance culture to safeguard and continue to supply water to the people of Anyako and beyond, with the project able to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area and local businesses are expected to benefit from the increased access to clean water.
He said: “The Big Push agenda initiated by President John Dramani Mahama led administration is aimed at transforming the country through infrastructure development. The Anyako water project is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
Togbi Badu IV, the Head of Klevia Clan, who was the Chairman of the occasion, expressed joy over the project.
He commended the government for the moved to curb Anyako water crises in the area as well as mitigate the plights of the communities in the areas.
Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, the Member of Parliament of the area and Mr Vincent Kuagbenu, the CEO of CWSA also welcomed the project and stated that it would improve the lives of the constituents.
Mr Daniel Mawuworge Torsu, a resident of Seva, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), has welcomed the project, and added that it would improve their health and well-being, adding that “women, in particular, are expected to benefit from the project, as they will no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water.”
The GNA gathered also that the Community Water and Sanitation Agency would provide backstopping support to the Municipal Assembly in managing point water systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
The project has been described as set of a new benchmark for rural water service delivery in the community, and government’s commitment to improving water infrastructure is expected to continue, with more projects in the pipeline.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah