SRWSP to spend GH4 million in Jirapa District

The Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Project (SRWSP) is to spend GH?4 million to expand potable water and sanitation coverage in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region.

The amount covers the drilling of 50 boreholes with hand pumps, 2 piped water systems, 10 improved latrines in five basic schools and WASH interventions.

Mr. Worlanyo Siabi, the Upper West Regional Director of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) who disclosed this during the launch of the project in Jirapa said the overall cost of the project in the region was about GH?50 million.

He said the project is being funded through a World Bank loan to the Government of Ghana.

Mr. Siabi noted that, under the project, 550 boreholes fitted with hand pumps, 20 piped water systems, 110 improved sanitation facilities as well as health and hygiene interventions would be delivered to increase access of communities to safe water supplies and sanitation.

Some 525 communities, 55 basic schools and 120,000 people would benefit from these interventions in the region.

The CWSA Regional Director noted that major threats likely to derail the efforts of the project would be self inflicted delays and personal interest, especially at the district level.

Mr. Abu Kabiebata Kansangbata, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, believed when completed, the project would help reduce poverty through the reduction in the disease prevalence especially among children.

He warned against beneficiary communities demanding monies from the project executors, saying if such a case was reported of any beneficiary community, the facility they were to benefit from would be taken away to a different community.

Mr. Kansangbata urged beneficiary districts to ensure that works and services were delivered according to design and plan, and also payments were completed within reasonable times.

Madam Vivien-Nelly Kunko, the Jirapa District Chief Executive (DCE) appealed to beneficiary communities to give the project the needed support to enhance its successful completion within schedule.