The Member of Parliament for the Bongo Constituency, Lawyer Charles Bawa Dua, has cut sod for the construction of a CHPS compound at Asaloko, as well as three mechanized boreholes at Bongo Senior High School, Gowrie Senior High Technical School, and the Feo Market.
The first-time MP explained that these interventions are a result of interactions with residents during his campaign.
In total, 32 water facilities are being constructed.These include three mechanized boreholes, 17 hand pumps funded through the Common Fund, 10 to be constructed by an NGO, and two by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, bringing the total number to 32.
The MP has also completed and commissioned a three-unit classroom block for Akulyoo, which had been left uncompleted for years.
Regarding the construction of the CHPS compound, the MP explained that the Bongo District has 52 CHPS zones, with less than half of them developed. This necessitated the sod-cutting for the Asaloko CHPS compound, which is expected to be completed within six months.
Speaking about the projects, particularly the construction of mechanized boreholes and hand pumps, the MP expressed disappointment over the persistent water supply challenges in Bongo, despite the presence of the Gowrie treatment plant and the Vea Dam.
He described it as disturbing that Gowrie Senior High Technical School is located close to both the treatment plant and the Vea Dam, yet the school and the entire district continue to struggle with access to clean water.
Lawyer Bawa Dua attributed the situation to challenges in coordinating the roles of Community Water, which supplies water to Bongo, and Ghana Water Limited, in ensuring a consistent water supply.
He disclosed that he is taking up the issue in Parliament to ensure the situation is permanently addressed.
“We continue to receive complaints and disturbances arising from the lack of water and we decided to bring a mechanized borehole to Gowrie which is one of three in the district. We are also doing one in Bongo SHS and Feo Market. In all we are doing 32 water projects but we have a long-term plan. Upper East and Upper West produces excess water but the challenge is distribution and technical difficulties between Ghana Water Limited and Community Water. Bongo is being supplied by Community Water and they are not able to produce sufficiently for the entire area. Is it not an irony that we have a treatment plant here and Gowrie does not have water? So, I am taking up the issue to see how we can get Ghana Water to intervene when there is a struggle with supply by Community Water.” The MP explained.
The Headmistress of Gowrie Senior High Technical School,Ivy Naaso Batur, expressed gratitude to the MP for cutting sod for the construction of the mechanized borehole.
While outlining the challenges faced by the school, the Headmistress also acknowledged the contributions of the late DCE, Joseph Akasake Abaa.
“Gowrie Senior High Technical School can proudly say that we will soon experience the end of water crisis in our school. We are excited by the way the leaders respond to our challenges and I want to commend the late DCE for sinking a borehole that is serving the administration.”
Meanwhile, Franklin Amoah, District Public Health Nurse, who spoke on behalf of the District Director of Health, described the CHPS compound at Asaloko as necessary, given the population of the community.
She noted that it would improve healthcare coverage in the area.
“Asaloko is one the communities in the Gorigo CHPS which is a bit distant from any service delivery point. In the rainy season, it is always difficult to come to the area to render the needed service. Some of them always stay at home but when this facility is completed, it will help bridge that gap.” She noted
