Government will soon adopt the Draft National Water Policy as the main strategy document to guide development in the water sector, Mr Yaw Barimah Minister of Works and Housing has announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at a preparatory workshop for the second phase of DANIDA's water sector support programme, Mr Barimah said in view of the importance of sustainable management of water resources at both the national and international level, there was the need for a comprehensive policy from which strategic investment plans could be drawn.

"In this direction, I wish to assure you all that the Ministry will accelerate the process of Cabinet Approval of the Draft Policy Document," he said. Water management experts and key stakeholders are attending the two-day workshop to discuss and consolidate the Draft Component descriptions and concept papers for the phase two programme.

DANIDA had agreed to sponsor the second phase, which commences in 2004 the first Phase which ends in December 2003. Mr Barimah said a major area of concern to government was financial accountability but said he was happy that DANIDA's support to the sector had also focused on developing and procurement systems at the national and district levels.

The Minister asked DANIDA to continue to build on the capacities of public officials and institutions in other management disciplines that would help deepen the levels of decentralization and allow for effective and transparent management and reporting.

He praised DANIDA for the bold decision to continue its support to the water sector to enhance its contribution to sustainable development and reduction in poverty levels in the country. Mr Barimah expressed the hope that the workshop would come out with an appropriate framework and strategies for the development of the water sector in the country.