By Emmanuel Gamson, GNA
Mpohor (W/R), Oct. 19, GNA – The Mpohor-Fiase District Assembly has commenced a sensitisation exercise across 18 communities to educate residents on the importance of establishing Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committees to ensure the effective management and sustainability of water facilities provided through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area.
The ongoing exercise covered communities such as Bowobrayie, Anhweim, Miawani, Memunakrom, Boahenekrom, Kankyeabo, Tumentu, K3, K9, Awoyie, Anyinase, Domeabra, Manpong, Akotrom, Amuzukrom, Norpalm School, Bomba, and Ampeasem.
The sensitisation programme focused on promoting community ownership, accountability and the responsible management of both mechanised boreholes and hand-pump water systems to ensure their continued functionality and sustainability.
Residents were being educated on the roles and responsibilities of WATSAN Committees, including overseeing the day-to-day management of water facilities, coordinating routine maintenance, promoting proper usage and mobilising funds for repairs where necessary.
Mr Sherrif Rockson, the Mpohor-Fiase District Development Planning Officer, said the initiative formed part of the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that investments in water infrastructure delivered lasting benefits to beneficiary communities.
He said the Assembly recognised that providing water facilities must be complemented by effective community management structures to prevent neglect and ensure sustained access to safe drinking water, hence, the exercise.
He asked beneficiary communities to establish their respective WATSAN Committees before the official commissioning of all water projects by the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the MP, noting that the move would ensure that residents were adequately prepared to take responsibility for managing and maintaining the facilities.
Mr Rockson appealed to traditional authorities, Assembly Members, opinion leaders, women’s groups, youth groups, and residents to actively participate in the process and support the formation of these committees to help serve the intended purpose.
“Through community participation and collective responsibility, the Mpohor-Fiase District Assembly aims to safeguard investments in water infrastructure and promote sustainable access to safe drinking water across the district,” he said.
Mr Simon Sarfo, Social Development Officer, Ms Rhoda Na-Ire, Environmental Health Officer, and Mr Chris Nkrumah, Information Officer, were part of the team undertaking the sensitisation exercise.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
Email: [email protected]