Obuasi Water Source Poisoned

The Oda River which is treated and supplied to residents of Obuasi and its surrounding areas has been polluted as a result of illegal mining activities in the area.

The water has some amounts of particles and oil, which makes it harmful for human consumption even though there is no alternative potable water supply for the inhabitants.

Nana Ponkor Ababio, Odikro of Kunka in Obuasi, who doubles as the Abadiekyiere of Adansi Dompoase Traditional Area, raised the concern during the final sitting of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly on Friday.

They called for the immediate provision of alternative potable water for the people.The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Alexander Ackon, in his sessional address, reiterated the commitment of Assembly in addressing with the problem.

He also called for collaboration among stakeholders to address the rampant pollution of water bodies in the municipality.Mr. Ackon said his outfit had made efforts to boost revenue collection.He stated that the overall estimated budget for 2012 amounted to GH¢2, 441,164.00 as against an expected revenue of GH¢1,424,012.33.

“By 30th June 12, we had collected GH¢ 1,273,286.08, representing 52 percent of the annual target and 89.4 percent of the January to June target,” he noted.The development, according to him, was largely due to measures put in place by the Assembly within the brief period.

The MCE suggested the adoption of pragmatic strategies to sustain improved revenue collection.The MCE Ackon said the District Development Facility Projects (DDFs) had immensely benefitted the Assembly since it was used to make up for the shortfalls in the District Assemblies’ Common Fund receipts.

He mentioned the construction of sheds for recreational grounds at Obuasi Zongo, supply of electricity to Palm Kennel Processing Centre at Baakoyeden, construction of reinforced concrete bridge at Mampamhwe and construction of phase-one OPD at Kunka as some of the projects under the DDF.

He said during the period under review, Project Cure, an International Relief Organization, donated medical equipment and supplies to the tune of $40,000.