Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo Mine, has handed over a US$477,000 Small Town Water System to the chiefs and people of Kenyasi No. I & II to help meet the increasing water demands of the two communities.

The facility, which was handed to the District Assembly, is an expansion of the existing Kenyasi Small Town Water System and it is expected to pump about 3000 litres of water every hour.

The company also donated an amount of GH?15,000 in addition to three motor bikes, five bicycles and other logistics to support the Kenyasi Water and Sanitation team run the water facility effectively.

Major activities carried out in the expansion works included the drilling of a new 200m deep borehole, installation of a new submersible pump, installation of electrical panels, fixing of a 200kva transformer to replace the former 100kva capacity transformer, fixing of booster pumps, and fencing of both old and newly-drilled wells, pump house, main reservoirs and booster station.

Presenting the facility, the General Manager of Environment and Social Responsibility, Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo Mine, Paul Sowley entreated the community members to assume full responsibility and ensure the effective maintenance of the project.

“The ownership and management of the Kenyasi Water System are in the hands of the community and the District Assembly through the Kenyasi Water and Sanitation Development Board (WSDB), with support from the District Water and Sanitation Team (DWST). I will encourage the District Assembly and residents to fully cooperate in maintaining the facility for the benefit of all, not just for today, but especially for the future.” He said.

Mr. Sowley restated the company’s commitment towards creating shared value through its social responsibility programs, among which are the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), Newmont’s Community-Based HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis campaign and mitigation programs such as the Agricultural Improvement and Land Access Program (AILAP) and the Vulnerable Peoples Program (VPP).

A representative of the traditional council thanked Newmont for the continuous support to the development of the communities and called for further collaboration between the company and its hosts to ensure a more lasting and peaceful co-existence.

The District Chief Executive for Asutifi, Eric Addae, added his voice to calls for community members to protect and maintain the facility as it has come at an opportune time to help them get access to a more reliable, safe and adequate water supply system.