Major Relief for Rural Communities as Ahafo Ano South East DCE Launches 10 Water Supply Projects

Residents of several rural and peri-urban communities in the Ahafo Ano South East District are set to enjoy improved access to clean and safe drinking water following the launch of ten major water supply projects by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson.

The projects, which consist of five Small Town Water Supply Systems and five standpipe water supply projects, are part of the government’s broader agenda to ensure equitable access to potable water across the country, particularly in underserved communities where access to clean water remains a daily challenge.

The sod-cutting ceremonies were held in selected beneficiary communities including Adugyame Zongo, Biemso Number Two, Asempanaye and seven other communities within the district. The events brought together the Member of Parliament for the constituency, traditional rulers, assembly members, opinion leaders and residents, who turned out in their numbers to witness what many described as a long-awaited intervention.

Addressing the gatherings, Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson said the water projects are designed to significantly expand supply capacity, improve the reliability and flexibility of water delivery systems, and provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to communities that have for years depended on unsafe or unreliable water sources.

According to him, the Small Town Water Supply Systems will serve multiple communities, reduce pressure on existing facilities and help address the persistent water shortages that have negatively affected household consumption, sanitation and public health in the district. He described the initiative as one of the most extensive water infrastructure investments ever undertaken in Ahafo Ano South East.

“This will, by far, be the biggest water project in the history of this district. Access to clean drinking water is not a privilege but a basic necessity and a critical foundation for development,” the DCE stated.

Explaining the rationale for the intervention, Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson noted that rapid population growth in communities such as Adugyame and other parts of the district has placed immense pressure on existing social infrastructure, particularly water supply systems, resulting in demand far exceeding supply.

He observed that the situation has had far-reaching implications, affecting sanitation, healthcare delivery and general living conditions, and making the need for a comprehensive and sustainable water solution unavoidable.

The DCE used the occasion to commend the government for prioritising rural water infrastructure development, stressing that since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office, Ahafo Ano South East has recorded visible improvements in key sectors including town roads, access to quality drinking water and other essential social amenities.

“Since President John Dramani Mahama came into office, our district has seen meaningful development in roads, potable water and other critical areas. These projects clearly demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of our people,” he said.

He therefore called on residents to continue to have confidence in the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, assuring them that more development projects are in the pipeline to address the needs of communities across the district.

Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson further urged beneficiary communities to take ownership of the projects, protect the facilities upon completion and cooperate fully with contractors to ensure timely completion and long-term sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of traditional authorities, Nana Osei Kwame, Chief of Nimfourkrom in the Ahafo Ano South East District, expressed appreciation to the government for responding to the water needs of the communities. He called on residents to continue to pray for President John Dramani Mahama, the Member of Parliament for the constituency and the District Chief Executive to enable them to deliver effectively on their development mandate.

Nana Osei Kwame also appealed to community members to support the contractors executing the projects, stressing that peaceful cooperation would ensure smooth work and timely delivery for the benefit of all.

In his remarks, the Member of Parliament for the Ahafo Ano South East Constituency, Hon. Yakubu Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the electorate. He recalled that during the campaign period, commitments were made to improve educational infrastructure, including the construction of classroom blocks, and noted that those promises had already been fulfilled.

He emphasised that the commencement of the water projects further demonstrates the government’s resolve to translate campaign pledges into tangible development outcomes that directly improve the welfare and quality of life of the people.

Residents at the ceremonies welcomed the intervention with excitement and gratitude, describing the water projects as a major relief that will significantly improve health standards, sanitation, productivity and overall living conditions in the Ahafo Ano South East District.