$17m needed for water and improved sanitation

Tamale, March 29, GNA - A feasibility study into water, sanitation and environmental situation in Wa, Yendi and Damongo has indicated that about 17.3 million dollars is needed for the provision of potable water and improved sanitation to the people in those communities. Colan, Sweco and Hifab consultancy firms undertook the study with sponsorship from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

The study showed that Wa, Yendi and Damongo water supply systems were characterized by inadequate capacity, coverage and regularity of supply.

Mr. Harold Essekum, a design expert of water and sanitation with Colan Consult, said at a feasibility study assessment forum in Tamale on Wednesday that Wa required 7.4 million dollars, Yendi 5.6 million dollars and Damongo 4.3 million dollars to meet the water and sanitation demands of these areas before 2020. He said without such an intervention, the communities risked total water loss.

The study also said the three communities relied hugely on boreholes and groundwater as their main source of water. Stakeholders from the Ghana Water Company Limited, Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Education Service, as well as the three communities attended the forum.

Mr. Wigbert Dogoli, Northern Regional Director of Community Water Sanitation Agency (CWSA), said as Ghana aspired to a middle-income status by 2015, adequate, reliable and affordable water and sanitation services were essential to address the needs of the people. He said the assessment had to be done with due diligence adding that the government and other stakeholders should implement the outcome of the study.

Mr. Dogoli said all available options must be identified and assessed professionally and packaged for funding.