Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, on Saturday commissioned a five-billion-cedi pipe-borne water supply system for Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region.
The German government funded the project through the German Bank for Reconstruction, the District Capitals Project of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the community, which contributed 128.3 million cedis.
The system consists of four mechanised boreholes, one protected spring, 8.5 kilometres transmission mains (ranging from four to 10 inches diameter) and 26 kilometres mains.
Other aspects are 49 standpipes and one 220 cubic metre elevated pressed steel tank.
Mr Baah-Wiredu described the system as a comprehensive one that would provide water for the people and would improve the district's ability to provide municipal services in general.
The participation, inputs and commitment of all interest groups in the project was, therefore needed, he added.
Mr Baah-Wiredu who is also MP for Asante Akim North, said the construction of the facility was an excellent example of participatory and decentralised government at work.
He said the decentralisation policy was to enable local authorities and communities to chart their own development path and be part of development activities that directly affect them.
The minister said 200 people from the locality have been trained and appointed as technical, administrative and commercial staff to run the facility in an efficient, transparent and cost-effective manner.
Mr Baah-Wiredu said being one of the largest in the country the ministry would monitor its efficient management with keen interest, as its success would give the impetus for its transfer to other towns.
It is one of three town piped water supply systems constructed under the District Capitals One project in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions.
