Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has cautioned consumers to ensure the judicious use of treated water and protect the infrastructure, to enjoy constant supply of water.
At a news conference, the Minister noted that, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) has implemented a number of safe water and sanitation projects, funded by the Government of Ghana and Development Partners increasing access to water in the rural communities from 66% to 67% in 2019.
Adding that, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources through the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA-SWP) has provided access to improved toilet facilities to serve over 225,960 low-income people in 28,245 households in the Greater Accra Metropolis.
She disclosed that over 240 fit-for-purpose, gender and disability friendly school sanitation facilities have been provided to over 231,872 school pupils of low income communities in the GAMA.
She also mentioned a 4,000 simplified household capacity sewerage system in Ashaiman New Town and a 900 at Bankuman community of Tema Metropolitan Area.
She said the Ministry has also commenced the construction of 5,000 household toilet facilities within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area under the GASSLIP. She said construction works are at various stages of completion.
“It is anticipated that by end of December 2020, all the facilities would have been completed which would benefit 50,000 people.”
Drainage systems
The Ministry, through the GAMA-SWP, expanded and lined a total of 23km length of drainage channels; 32km of unlined drainage channels have also been desilted whiles fifteen (15) culverts have been reconstructed to enhance free flow of storm water”.
“The completion of these priority tertiary drainage works has helped to reduce the perennial flooding that hitherto led to loss of lives and property as well as to mitigate the high risks that results from poor environmental sanitation management.”
Hon Dapaa noted that, in an effort to improve Sanitation delivery in the country, government, under the World Bank funded additional financing of the Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Project implemented by the CWSA, has delivered 12,972 Household Toilets with an additional, 179 school teacher latrines.
Therefore, 351 communities have been declared open defecation free (ODF) with additional 165 communities to be certified”.
“The Ministry as part of the implementation of the 2019 budget, initiated the construction of 2,000 household toilets with the aim of improving access to sanitation and reducing open defaecation within selected MMDAs in the Ashanti, Western, Central and Northern Regions.”
The Minister said about 50% of the facilities have been completed while the rest are at various stages of completion.
“In addition, 35 Institutional toilets for selected Senior High Schools, markets and other institutions across the country are nearing completion.”
Godfred Sey/ Ahotoronline.com
