President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned a water supply system to provide potable water to residents in Adaklu, Agotime-Ziope and Central Tongu in Volta Region of Ghana.
The project which was commissioned last Monday July 3, 2023 covers the phase-three of the Five District (Adaklu, Ho West, Agotime-Ziope, Central Tongu and North Tongu) Water Project which was commenced in November 2020.
The completed phase three was undertaken by Strabag AG with an 11.5 million Euro funding from the Raffeinsen Bank of Austria and it is expected to serve to serve 95 communities in Adaklu, Agortime-Ziope and Central Tongu with a combined population of 89,150. This brings the total number of communities benefitting from the three completed phases of the project (phase 1, 2 and now, 3) to 215 communities.
Government’s Commitment to Water
President Akufo-Addo while commissioning the project stressed that government is attending to the core needs of Ghanaians in a multi-faceted approach in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mentioned a list of achievements in that regard.
Under water and sanitation, he noted that apart from the Spain Ghana Debt Swap which has led to the US$3.78 million water project for a beneficiary population of 75,000. There is also the 32 million Euros Sustainable Water Improvement project for the Volta, Oti, Greater Accra, and Eastern Regions.
Others include the on-going Keta Water Project, Wenchi Water, the Sekondi Takoradi and one for the Sogakope-Lome corridor, which the President said would benefit more than 4 million people. He noted that water is a very important resources which needed to be protected by all as it is more costly to restore or process it is destroyed.
Improved Water Coverage
Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitarian and Water Resources, said through the efforts of the government, led by the President, water coverage keep improving with latest date showing 87.7 percent water coverage as of 2021 and sanitation coverage being 80.8 percent.
The gains made is what had led to the eradication of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. She added that the Five District Water project together with the many water projects across the country will go a long way support other productive uses to sustain small enterprises in beneficiary communities, create jobs and growth of the districts.
Protecting Water Resources
Ing. Dr. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Community Water and Sanitation Agency appealed to beneficiary communities to ensure they pay the right water tariffs even as they assist the agency to protect pipelines against illegal water connection and destruction.
Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister thanked the President for his commitment towards the needs of the region, especially communities like Amedzofe, Dzolo, Shia, Ziofe and Adaklu who have all benefited from the Ghana Spain Debt Swap project. He was hopeful that sod would soon be cut for the fourth phase of the Five District Project to serve more communities.
Adaklu Commends Government
Togbe Gbogbi Atsa V, Paramount Chief of Adaklu Traditional Area said the water project and the ongoing agenda 111 health facility are dear to his hear and to his people and hence commended the government for extending such huge projects to the area. He said, “For all this we the people of Adaklu owe you and your administration. We are extremely grateful. We will write your name in our minds and our hearts.”
He appealed to the Government to ensure the construction of the Adaklu Waya to Tsrefe road, which had been awarded but not progressing, and to construct a-promised-cattle-grazing reserve among other projects.
From Fred Duodu and Daniel Orlando, (Adaklu-Waya)