Eight individuals and three organisations honoured

Accra, (Greater Accra) 5th May ?99,

Eight individuals and three organisations were honoured in Accra on Wednesday for their contributions towards the improvement of rural water and sanitation sector.

The "Mole Award" was the first of its kind and it is to give recognition to individuals and organisations that are committed to providing safe water to rural communities.

It was organised by the Professional Network Association (PRONET), a non-governmental organisation.

The "lifetime achievements award" went to Mr Robert Richter Bannerman and Mr Harry Reynolds while Ms Charlotte Akweley Engmann and Ms Fati Mumuni received the "women in water award".

"Outstanding individuals awards", were received by Mr Ronald Bannermann, Mr Peter Kpordugbe, Mr Peter Sackey and Mr Gani Tijani.

The three organisations were WaterAID, Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).

Vice President John Evans Atta Mills, in a speech read for him by Mr D.S. Boateng, Presidential Staffer, commended the organisers for instituting the awards to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene promotion in the deprived parts of the country.

He said 10 years ago, the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation (GWSC) had a countrywide responsibility that was beyond its capacity, and a system that was inappropriate to address the needs of smaller rural communities.

"Now, the GWSC is an organisation with clearly defined task as an urban utility provider, while the CWSA helps rural communities to take charge of their own appropriate water and sanitation systems in a new participatory way."