From Richard Owusu-Akyaw.
A 1,500 gallon-capacity water reservoir constructed by a multi-national Nigerian oil company, Sahara Group of Companies (SGC), has been commissioned for the benefit of the people of Kwanwoma in the Atwima Kwawoma district.
Nana Kofi Adjei IV contributed GH¢28,000 towards the project, estimated to cost GH¢80,000. It forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and commitment to provide the towns folk with potable drinking water.
Commissioning the project, Nana Kofi Adjei thanked SGC for coming to the rescue of the residents by funding the project, which was seen as timely to alleviate the acute water problems the people faced. Nana Adjei indicated that the project was the product of the direct involvement and feasibility studies of Mr. Jim Nequette, Director of Water in Africa Through Everyday Responsiveness (WATER), who had been contracted by SGC to undertake the project for the people.
The Chief, who also doubles as the Gyasehene of the Adum Sub-Traditional Council, noted that the emergence of pipe-borne water would curb water-borne related diseases, and urged the residents to see the project as belonging to the Kwanwoma community. Nana Kofi Adjei appealed to the SGC to assist in the building of a senior high school in the area.
Mr. Jim Nequette, Director of WATER, who has been contracted by SGC, stated that the capacity of water needed by people of Kwanwoma was quite huge, hence the need to dig up to 120 metres to provide non-stop water flow and supply. He said the ultimate aim was to eradicate water-borne diseases such as Brulli Ulcer. In attendance at the commissioning was Mr. Ubioma Bethel, Head of SGC’s Corporate Affairs.
Meanwhile, a seven-member committee has been inaugurated to manage the water supply by charging a nominal fee towards maintenance. The Chief’s contribution towards the project was aside other personal efforts towards transforming the town since his ascension of the Okra Addo Stool about 20 years ago.
These include the rehabilitation of the road from Daban through Ampabame to Trede Junction, the construction of a 10-seater Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit for the town, provision of a large tract of land for the establishment of a local Senior High School, and the construction of an11-unit classroom with office and store to replace the old dilapidated primary school block.