The Upper Manya Krobo District Assembly, in collaboration with Ark Development Organization and with support from Australia Aid, has officially inaugurated 50 Member- Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committees across ten selected communities as part of a renewed effort to address the district’s persistent water crisis.
The inauguration, held at Asesewa, marks a major step towards tackling the water and sanitation challenges confronting communities in the district, where thousands of residents continue to struggle with limited access to safe drinking water, leading to rising public health concerns.
The establishment of the WATSAN Committees comes at a critical time.
Upper Manya Krobo is one of four districts in the Eastern Region where 1,453 cases of skin-related neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) — including Buruli Ulcer, Leprosy, Yaws, and Lymphatic Filariasis — were identified during the recently concluded Partnership for the Eradication of Skin NTDs Project.
The lack of safe water sources, coupled with frequent breakdowns of boreholes and poor maintenance, has been identified as a major contributor to the health crisis.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Executive Director of Ark Development Organization, Emmanuel Kwarfo Mintah, underscored the importance of local ownership in managing water resources.
“We’re dealing with ten communities under this project. Some will receive new boreholes, while in others, the challenge is maintaining existing ones. That’s why we’re establishing WATSAN Committees and community foundations to manage, maintain, and raise funds for their water systems. Already, four communities have started fundraising initiatives,” he revealed.
Each community has been tasked to raise a minimum of GHC 10,000 by the end of the year, with additional support to follow from the District Assembly and other partners.
The WATSAN Committees will also work to protect local water bodies and promote safe hygiene practices.
Ark Development Organization is collaborating with the Forestry Commission to plant trees around rivers, streams, and borehole sites to preserve water resources and improve environmental sustainability.
“We’re engaging the Forestry Commission to supply trees for planting along water bodies and boreholes within these communities. It’s essential not only to provide water but to protect it for future generations,” Mr. Mintah noted.
The District Chief Executive for Upper Manya Krobo, Emmanuel Kwasi Lawer, described the inauguration as timely and pledged the Assembly’s full support for the initiative.
“The water situation in Upper Manya Krobo is critical. Even though we have the River Volta and Bukunor Water works, accessing water for our people has been a challenge. Initiatives like this WATSAN Committee project are necessary and will receive the Assembly’s backing,” he assured.
The project is expected to serve as a model for other deprived districts facing similar water and sanitation challenges in the Eastern Region.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
