MP quizzes minister over water

Mrs Mavis Koomson, MP for Awutu Senya East on Thursday pleaded with the Government to step in as early as possible to supply water to the people in the Constituency.

She said the situation was precarious and was impacting negatively on education and the finances of the constituents.

Mrs Koomson told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), after asking a question on the water situation in the constituency on the floor of parliament, saying that urgent measures were needed to help the people out.

The most affected communities are CP, Amuzukope, Akweley, Bigman Town, Congo Villa, Annor Town, Kae Me Bre and Opeikuma.

According to the MP, there was no water course in the area, compelling the people to spend huge sums of money buying water for their needs.

She therefore asked the Government to make funds available to the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to extend water supply to the communities.

The sector Minister, Alhaji Collins Dauda, had told the House, the extension of pipelines to the communities to solve their water problems would be carried out when funds are available.

Alhaji Dauda, who appeared in parliament to answer questions relating to the Ministry, said four of the communities mentioned - CP, Akweley, Amuzukope and Bigman Town - located within the Awutu Senya East Constituency of the Central Region fell within the supply area of the Weija Water Treatment Plant.

In response to further questioning, the Minister said the budget for the year 2014 did not provide for the extension of pipelines to the communities mentioned, and he would be unable to put a time frame on when funds would be available for the project.

Mrs Koomson however recalled that there had been some intervention by Government some time ago, but the Minister said an intervention in the form of a tanker service would have to be made on request.

He however agreed to have a chat and liase with the MP on interim steps that could be taken to help improve the situation.

Mrs Koomson told the GNA that the people of Opeikuma had acquired 150 pieces out of the required 200 four inch pipelines expected to be laid between Opeikuma Junction and the township.

She however wondered why the Ghana Water Company Limited was yet to start the laying of the pipes acquired through the efforts and contribution of the people.

The Minister had earlier answered an urgent question by Mr Benito Owusu-Bio (NPP- Atwima Nwabiagya North) on when the Owabi Village in the Ashant Region shall be resettled.

He indicated that the Dam was constructed in 1929, and information on that project was scanty and unreliable.

Alhaji Dauda therefore prayed the House for some time to obtain accurate and reliable information to deal with the issue.

“In the process, the Ministry will collaborate with the MP and other stakeholders to find out how best the resettlement of Owabi village could be addressed,” Alhaj Dauda said.