By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, May 25, GNA – The people of Santrokofi-Bume in the Guan District of the Oti Region are seeking to raise GHS300,000 to repair a broken gravity-fed water system.
The system has served the community and neighbouring towns for more than three decades.
The breakdown of the water system, constructed by the Santrokofi-Bume Development Association (SABUDA), has left residents struggling to access clean drinking water, forcing many households to depend on untreated water.
Women and children are said to be the most affected as they travel long distances in search of water for cooking and other domestic activities.
The fundraising exercise was launched in Accra during the celebration of SABUDA’s 35th anniversary, with the Association appealing to individuals, organisations and government institutions to support the rehabilitation project.
Dr Nathaniel Atikumi, Chairman of SABUDA, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the water system had deteriorated due to age and not illegal mining activities.
“Our water system is not broken because of galamsey or mining activity, but naturally this water system was constructed about 30 to 35 years ago and so wear and tear is what has affected the system,” he said.
He said the Association consulted the Ghana Water Company Limited, which estimated that GHS300,000 would be required to restore the system.
Dr Atikumi said the Association hoped to raise the amount by December this year to ensure the restoration of potable water supply to the community and nearby settlements.
“We are hoping that individuals and other non-governmental and even governmental agencies will come to our aid and support us so that we will be able to have this water system fixed,” he stated.
Dr Atikumi said about 1,500 residents currently lived in Santrokofi-Bume, while many indigenes who returned home during festivals and social events also depended on the same source of water.
On other development priorities, Dr Atikumi said SABUDA was seeking support to upgrade the community clinic into a polyclinic, complete an ongoing kindergarten block project and construct additional teachers’ quarters to improve education delivery in the area.
Nana Obibiribi Kumi III, Krontihene of Santrokofi-Bume, appealed to residents, philanthropists and development partners to support the fundraising campaign and other community projects.
SABUDA, established about 35 years ago, has spearheaded several self-help development initiatives in Santrokofi-Bume, including the construction of a clinic, nurses’ quarters, classrooms and teachers’ accommodation.
The Association says it remains committed to mobilising community support to improve living conditions in the area.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Edward Acquah
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