International conference on water opens

Accra, Oct. 20, GNA - Dr Humprey Ata, Board Chairman of the Ghana Water Company Limited, on Monday urged architects and other stakeholders in the construction industry to design structures to assist in the harvesting of rainwater to ensure proper water management. He said rain harvest devices did not feature high in the construction of modern-day houses unlike the past where most old buildings had such devices fitted in the construction plan.

Dr Ata was speaking at the opening of a three-day scientific council meeting of the Union of Africa Water Suppliers (UAWS) in Accra. UAWS is an international organization, which brings together various institutions responsible for the provision and supply of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses as well the management of waste in 36 African countries.

Dr Ata told the participants to take a close look at the issue of the use of potable water in water closets, where clean water is usually used to flush toilets, a situation, which he described as a waste. Dr Charles Bempong Yeboah, a Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, said the government was concerned with the constraints inhibiting access to water and sanitation.

He urged African governments to harmonise their resources and activities to achieve the goals of making potable more accessible. Dr Yeboah also called for stronger partnerships at both the local and international levels for the achievement of universal access to potable water and sanitation.

"The government is, therefore, determined to take advantage of every opportunity to tackle these problems by promoting local, national and regional systems for managing the sustainable use of water resources based on an integrated approach," the Minster said.

Mr N'dri Koffi, Administrative Secretary of UAWS, said Ghana has been chosen to host the 12th Congress of UAWS, which is under the theme: "Partnership For Sustainable Access To Drinking Water And Sanitation."