Keta: Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has called upon local authorities, including chiefs, elders, and landowners, to collaborate with the government on development initiatives. He expressed concerns that securing land for essential projects such as CHPS compounds, schools, and water supply systems has been difficult in the region, which has impeded progress in numerous communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gunu made this appeal during the commissioning of the Anyako-Seva Water Supply Project in the Keta municipality. He emphasized the government's commitment to providing clean water to the communities, acknowledging President John Dramani Mahama's prioritization of the project, which features a solar-powered pumping system and smart tap standpipes.
Mr Gunu stressed the government's readiness to develop every community and urged landowners, such as chiefs and community elders, to cooperate in establishing projects that would benefit all citizens. He warned that government efforts to implement development projects would face challenges if beneficiary communities refused to provide the necessary land, ultimately affecting the growth and development of individuals in those areas.
He emphasized the importance of releasing land for development projects, stating that such initiatives would benefit current and future generations. He highlighted the anticipated improvement in health, dignity, and daily life for Anyako residents, who have faced water scarcity for nearly two decades, and announced plans to extend household pipe-borne water connections between June and December this year.
Mr Vincent Kuagbenu, the CEO of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, expressed gratitude and described the commissioning of the Anyako-Konu-Seva water system as a historic event, marking the end of a 20-year struggle for clean water in the community. He explained that the water crisis had severely affected the socio-economic life of the community, with small-scale businesses struggling and the local Senior High School closing periodically due to lack of water.
Mr Kuagbenu noted that the water shortage made it difficult for teachers, nurses, and other workers to accept postings to the community. Despite efforts from chiefs and opinion leaders, previous attempts to restore the water system were unsuccessful. He credited Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Keta MP, for campaigning on the promise of clean water and acknowledged President Mahama's development track record as a factor in fulfilling this promise.
He expressed appreciation for the Head of Klevia Clan, Togbi Badu IV, for providing the land for the project, as well as for the contributions of the President, the sector Minister, the CEO, and all involved in the project's success. The completion of the project, he said, would enhance the socio-economic life of Anyako-Konu-Seva and provide a brighter future for the community.
Mr Kuagbenu reiterated the appeal to chiefs, elders, and landowners to support the government by providing the necessary resources, including land, for the construction of vital community-benefitting projects.