The 14th Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT) serving with the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) supplied water to the Bouna General Hospital and the populace as part of the International World Water Day (WWD) which was celebrated on Tuesday 22 March, 2011.

Speaking on behalf of Ghanbatt before the distribution of the water to the Bouna General Hospital and the populace, the Deputy Commanding Officer of Ghanbatt, Maj Eric Kwame Boa-Aposem, assured the people that, the supply of water to the area was not going to be a one day affair, but rather a continuous programme as part of the Ghanbatt’s humanitarian assistance to the people of Bouna. “Plans are far afoot to get constant water supply to the Bouna General Hospital and the populace”, he added.

The Ghanaian Battalion supplied water to the people of Bouna in the Zanzan Region of Cote d’Ivoire, which is about 180km from Bondoukou where Ghanbatt is based. This was part of Ghanbatt’s humanitarian assistance to the populace in its Area of Responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Bouna, the Prefect, Mr. Aka Kouassi-Bio, thanked Ghanbatt for the assistance and requested that Ghanbatt continuous to assist the area with water supply, he added that the people are in dire need of treated water and appreciate the efforts made by Ghanbatt. “The people of Bouna have lived without treated water for three months and we are happy for this kind gesture by Ghanbatt”, he said.

The International World Water Dayis celebrated across the globe to increase people's awareness of the importance of water in the environment, agriculture, health and trade. The day is also to appreciate the water that comes out of our tap, and to get knowledgeable about world water issues. This years’ World Water Day was observed with the theme “Water for Cities”.

ROBISON OMANE-AGYEI Fg Offr Press Information Officer UNOCI GHANBATT 14