Asutifi North District Assembly together with Asutifi North Ahonidie Mpuntuo (ANAM) Partners performed another landmark sod-cutting ceremony on 24th November, 2020 to commence the construction of the water station called “H2OME” that will address the demands of the underserved people at Kenyasi No. 1.
The project will consist of 3 boreholes with solar and 10nr. Standpipes fitted with ATM water dispensers at strategic locations and 100 cubic overhead reservoir that would serve about 7000 population. Safe Water Network, World Vision Ghana, and Asutifi North District Assembly under the ANAM safe water initiative have jointly in a ratio of 23.5/23.5/53 to provide the water station to the people of Kenyasi N0. 1.
The District Chief Executive, Hon. Anthony Mensah in his opening remarks expressed appreciation for the support of ANAM Partners to the district and stated that it was a relief to commence the water station that will serve over 7000 people in the community. This is because the complaints the assembly received from people every day concerning water in this community was unbearable. He continued that, it wasn’t by chance that the sod cutting ceremony attracted the assembly staff, ANAM Partners, the traditional leaders, and the general public. This shows how important this great Initiative means to everyone connected to the project. The DCE commended the strong commitment from the assembly staff and encourage citizens to support the project. He indicated that upon the project completion, citizens who would like to extend water connection to their homes should do well to follow the necessary procedure and to avoid illegal connections.
The Construction Manager of Safe Water Network, Mr. Kofi Peprah expressed his appreciation for the support SWN has enjoyed so far from the DCE and traditional leadership with respect to the acquisition of land for drilling, and for use as the main treatment center in the community. He further appealed for more support from all stakeholders to enable the project completion in six months.
The project manager of World Vision Ghana, Mr. Robel Lambisso Wamisho stated that the sod-cutting ceremony also marks the starting of a small water enterprise and capacity building project, in which WVG is contributing 23.5% as part of the total estimated investment into the project. He continued that, it is strongly believe that market-based solutions like the “H2OME” model play a crucial role in improving the governance and sustainable management of water supply systems. As the model enables mobilizing the required revenue, it ensures that operation and maintenance cost are properly covered.
He further indicated that the installation of water ATM and prepaid meters for household connections is also important to improve revenue collection and reduce water losses. For World Vision Ghana, this offers an opportunity to share ideas and learn from the process and document for the replication of the model in other project areas.
In an interview with the representative of Kenyasi No.1 traditional council Nana Agyeman Opanboah, he underscored the strong commitment from the traditional authorities towards the project and assured that traditional leadership will sensitize the citizens to give their maximum support and cooperation towards achieving the goal of the project.
The event attracted a number of stakeholders including the district staff, ANAM Partners, the traditional authorities, the security personnel, the media, the clergy, and members of the community.
