Volta Region targets 75-80% water coverage for 2012

Mr Joseph Z. Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, on Monday, said the region is envisioned to make between 75-80 percent coverage in the provision of potable water to all communities by 2012.

He said the region’s prevailing 57 percent coverage was lesser than the national average coverage.

Mr Amenowode, who is also the Member of Parliament for Hohoe-North, disclosed this, when the Board of Directors of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), paid a courtesy call on him, before inspecting some water systems in the northern part of the region.

He said a chunk of the region’s population still lack potable water, describing it disheartening, the inability of about 150 boreholes earmarked for drilling last year, to be dishonoured.

The Regional Minister said the unavailability of potable water was promoting water-borne diseases, especially Bilharzias, which is perceived by the people as “right of passage of urine to contain blood stains.”

Mr Amenowode called on CWSA and the Ghana Water Company to help the people living along water bodies with simple technologies available on the market.

He said the Volta Caucus in Parliament would lobby for additional funding towards bolstering water coverage in the region and totally stem the guinea worm incidence.

Mr Amenowode demanded a feedback from the tour to be factored into its development programme.

Mr Clement Bugase, Chief Executive of CWSA, described the concerns raised as legitimate, pledging that, management and Board would explore the issues and come out with cutting-edge solutions to deliver on its mandate.

He said management, in consultation with the Board, would adopt simple but up-to-the-scratch technologies, to facilitate the provision of potable water for the entire population of the region, irrespective of one’s geographic location.

Mr Francis Gyarko, Board Chairman, said the fact-finding tour would provide an insight into decision-making processes of the sector.

Source: GNA