THE BRONG Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh has said government will urgently need to mobilise $200m to solve the water crisis that has hit the Sunyani municipality.
That, he said, was the cost of a proposed dam to be built on River Tano to augment water distribution in the municipality and also for agricultural purposes.
The regional minister made the remark in a response to an appeal made by the Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Asor Nkrawire II to the Minister to facilitate the construction of dam on River Tano to help curb the acute perennial water shortage that has been hitting the Municipality. The Omanhene made the appeal when the minister formally called on the traditional council to solicit their help and blessing as he starts work as the BA regional minister.
It must be noted that the Sunyani Municipality and part of the Brong Ahafo Region have been experiencing water shortages since December last year. The situation, which about two weeks ago, became worse was attributed to galamsey activities and dry season farming on the banks of River Tano.
Explaining, Mr Asomah Cheremeh said feasibility studies for the project have been completed as far back as 2015 and would cost 200 million dollars to construct. He indicated that the new government, as a matter of urgency, would mobilize money for the project to bring finality to the perennial water shortages in the Municipality. He said the dam when completed will cover about 11kilometers square.
This was the first time lawyer Kwaku Asomah-Cheremey had called on the Sunyani Omanhene at the Traditional Council after the chief refused to recognize him when the latter was nominated by the president as the BA regional Minister.
Nana Asor Nkrawire II pledged his unflinching support to the Minister and asked him not to hesitate to approach the council when he needs their services or advice.
The Minister, on his part, thanked him and other members of the council for the overwhelming welcome they gave him during the visit.
FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Sunyani