Parliamentary Committee inspects projects in UWR

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Water Resources, Works and Housing, has called for enhanced stakeholder collaboration for the successful completion of the Wa Water Supply Expansion Project.

Among stakeholders the Committee is advocating for their full involvement are the law enforcement agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Commission.

The move is geared towards addressing concerns of a possible water pollution by illegal small-scale miners and Australian mining company, Azuma Resources, who are said to be using the same source of water, the Black Volta, for their mining activities.

Mr. David Tetteh Asuming, Chairman of the Committee, made the call when he led members to inspect some projects in the Upper West Region.

He described the project as a huge one that would address the water needs of the people of Wa and its environs, and that no stone should be left unturned in the execution stages, in order to make it stand the test of time.

Mr. Tetteh Asuming who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Shai Osudoku in the Greater-Accra Region, appealed to Kolon-Pyung Wha Consortium, a Chinese Construction firm and the Project Contractor, to endeavour to factor in all concerns in order to deliver to meet not only the project specifications, but also the expectations of the people.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, the Chairman said it was not good for them to stay in Accra and be approving loans for projects without getting to the ground to know how the projects were being executed.

He said the visit would, therefore, afford them the opportunity to assess the projects, and make a report to the sector Minister for appropriate action.

Mr. Justice Joe Appiah, Ranking Member of the Committee, and MP for Ablekuma North, described the project as wonderful, considering the importance of water to human life.

He lauded the contractor for work done so far, but appealed for more efforts to be committed to the project, in order for it to be completed on schedule.

Mr. Daniel Konadu, Wa Water Supply Expansion Project Co-ordinator, said currently the project was about 30 percent complete.

He revealed that water demand in the Wa Area was 11, 000 cubic meters per day, but current generation stood at 2,000 cubic meters per day.

Mr. Konadu said when completed, the project would raise supply to 15,000 cubic meters, representing 3.3 million gallons a day bringing supply above demand.

The project is being funded by the Korean Exim Bank (EDCF) at a total cost of 51,539,150 dollars, with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the SHINWOO Engineering Corporation, serving as client and consultant respectively.

Other projects visited by members of the committee included the Manwe, Busa, Napogbakole, small town pipe water supply systems, all in the Wa Municipality.

The team also inspected similar projects at Nadowli and Tumu in the Nadowli and Sissala East Districts respectively.

The team was accompanied by the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Musheibu Mohammed Alfa, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr. Issahaku Nuhu Putiaha and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) Regional Director, Mr. Worlanyo Siabi, among others.