James Gunu breaking the grounds for commencement of the projects. INSET: The borehole project
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has commissioned two mechanised boreholes for Anfoega Senior High School and Vakpo Senior High School as well as cut the sod for six major educational infrastructure projects in the North Dayi District as part of government’s commitment to improving educational facilities and enhancing the welfare of students in the Volta Region.
The projects form part of government’s efforts to improve access to quality education by expanding educational infrastructure while ensuring a reliable supply of potable water to schools.
The commissioning and sod-cutting ceremonies were attended by the Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Joycelyn Tetteh Quarshie, the District Chief Executive, Ernest Adevor, traditional authorities, education officials, opinion leaders and residents of the beneficiary communities.
The newly commissioned mechanised boreholes, each with a 10,000-litre storage capacity, were constructed under Phase II of the Water for All Project to address water challenges in the two senior high schools.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies, Mr. Gunu said the facilities are powered by both the national electricity grid and solar energy to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water, even during power outages.
He noted that access to clean water is critical to improving sanitation, safeguarding the health of students and creating a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
The Regional Minister urged the management of the two schools to institute proper maintenance measures to ensure the sustainability of the facilities.
The minister also advised students to remain committed to their studies, assuring them of government’s resolve to continue investing in modern educational infrastructure to improve learning outcomes.
Following the commissioning of the boreholes, the minister cut the sod for the commencement of six educational infrastructure projects across the district.
The projects comprise an 18-unit classroom block and a two-storey boys’ dormitory for Vakpo Senior High Technical School, a two-storey girls’ dormitory for Anfoega Senior High School, as well as three-unit classroom blocks for Avevi-Denui D/A Junior High School, Tsrukpe Zanukofe D/A Junior High School and Botoku Bradafornu D/A Junior High School.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Gunu assured residents that funding had been secured for all six projects and that work would commence without delay.
He stressed that the projects would be closely monitored to ensure their timely completion in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to eliminating abandoned public projects while expanding access to quality education across the country.
According to the Regional Minister, the provision of modern educational infrastructure remains a key priority of government as it seeks to reduce classroom deficits, improve teaching and learning, and enhance academic performance, particularly in underserved communities.
As part of activities marking the visit, Mr. Gunu also donated two footballs and a set of jerseys each to Anfoega Senior High School, Vakpo Senior High School and Vakpo Senior High Technical School to promote sports development and encourage young people to combine academic excellence with sporting activities.
The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Joycelyn Tetteh Quarshie, commended government for prioritising education in the constituency.
She reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with government and other stakeholders to ensure that educational institutions in the district continue to benefit from critical development interventions.
Ms. Quarshie expressed optimism that the projects, when completed, would significantly improve learning conditions and provide students with the infrastructure needed to excel academically.
The commissioning of the mechanised boreholes and the launch of the six educational projects underscore government’s continued investment in education and human capital development, while addressing critical infrastructure and water supply challenges confronting schools in the North Dayi District.
FROM Daniel K. Orlando