Story by Yaaba Yamikeh
Residents of Brahabobom in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality of the Western Region who were battling inadequate water supply in their community, now have a good story to tell.
This follows construction of a 40,000- litre Small Town Water Supply System, two mechanized boreholes and four stand-pipes by Gold Fields Ghana Foundation
Besides addressing challenges relating to inadequate access to potable water, the facility will also help improve their health and living conditions.
Construction of the Brahabobom Small Town Water Supply System formed part of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s initiatives to improve access to safe, reliable and sustainable water supply in the host communities.
It also marked the successful completion of a critical water infrastructure project implemented by the Foundation in partnership with Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipal Assembly.
The facility which is now totally owned by the community and managed by the opinion leaders, was officially handed over to them at a ceremony on Wednesday September 16.
Some of the jubilant residents, traditional leaders, officials from the municipal assembly, Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) and other key stakeholders, attended the short but impressive ceremony.
Sustainable Development Goals
In an address, Madam Sandra Deladem Woanyah, project manager of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s water project, said construction of the facility was a direct response to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6, 3 and 11 which respectively focuses on clean water and sanitation, health and well-being and sustainable cities and communities.
She said it also reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing access to essential services and improving the life of the residents.
Madam Woanyah reiterated that executed at a total cost of Gh.c 616, 858.39, the facility will significantly improve access to potable water and reduce the burden or inconveniences associated with water collection.
She said it will also provide a sustainable source of clean water for households and the wider community, adding that access to safe drinking water remains essential for promoting public health, sanitation and socio -economic development.
Household access
“The project will directly benefit community members by enhancing household access to safe water for drinking, cooking, sanitation and other domestic uses. This will undoubtedly reduce the incidence of water – related diseases and improve the overall quality of life of the residents’, she said.
Additionally, she said it provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders while promoting community participation in the sustainable management and maintenance of water supply system.
She indicated that it will also provide long-term benefits to Brahabobom, support sustainable development and strength community resilience.
Big Relief
Nana Kwesi Ansah, the Chief of Brahabobom, described the facility as “a big relief” to the community provided at a time when access to potable water had been a major challenge facing his subjects.
He therefore expressed gratitude to Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders who collaborated to ensure successful execution of the project.
“As a community, we pledge to take ownership of the facility, use it responsibly and ensure that it is properly maintained for the benefit of present and future generations.”, he said.
