Alakple (Volta Region) 5th July '99

President Jerry Rawlings on Saturday commissioned an integrated water project for three districts in the southern part of the Volta Region with an appeal to the people to adopt a pro-active maintenance culture towards the facility.

The people and Chiefs from the districts used a colouful durbar preceding the commissioning to enstool President Rawlings as a great Chief in recognition of his concern for them under the stool name "Togbe Xornametor I" (Saviour).

President Rawlings said the project, South-Eastern Districts Water Supply, was borne out of government's commitment to improve the socio-economic conditions of Ghanaians.

He, therefore, asked them to pay their bills promptly to assist the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation, now Ghana Water Company Limited to function effectively and extend its facilities to more people.

Saturday's commissioning covers the first two phases of the project, which is in three parts.

The first two phases, which were completed last year, involved a daily production of about 1.6 million gallons of water.

The water is pumped over 155 kilometres for distribution through 82 kilometres of pipelines to communities from Sogakope in the South Tongu district through Dabala junction to Keta and from Sogakope to Ada.

The third and final phase is to extend the facility to Aflao in the Ketu South District through Akatsi and Denu.

The entire project commenced in July 1996 with a British grant and loan of 13.5 million pounds as well as a 4.9 billion cedis local component.

President Rawlings, who commissioned a similar facility a week earlier at Tamale, said the two projects reflect government's commitment to the systematic and integrated development.

He outlined other projects lined up for the area and expressed appreciation for the people's sacrifice and patience although some of the projects have been delayed.

President Rawlings spoke about the Keta Sea Defence Project and pledged government's commitment to it saying, "abandoning that project will mean abandoning the people as well as God".

He said the extension of electricity to the project site has just been completed and essential equipment mobilised to the site.

"I believe that the frustration over the seeming delay about the implementation of the project shall surely turn into broad smiles and joy when actual construction work takes off soon."

President Rawlings said the challenges of the next millennium call for positive private sector development and the necessary collaborative and facilitating role of government and the communities.

The telephone system in the Keta District is being upgraded to make it more effective while work progresses to extend the national grid to the people of Kome.

He also mentioned some roads that were under construction. These include the Seva-Anyako stretch and the Agortoe road.

"We must rid the communities of laziness, apathy and care-free attitudes. We must look to the future with hope, and resolve to work hard towards achieving that objective."

In an address read on behalf of Togbe Kporku III, Dufia of Alakple, he thanked the President for his timely response to their cry for help during last year's drought.

He also expressed appreciation for the water facility saying they were amazed with it.

Togbe Kporku condemned what he termed rumours by the opposition that the people and chiefs from the southern districts have disowned the President as a citizen of Anlo because he failed to address their developmental needs.

He referred to the large gathering at the ceremony, saying it signified that the people had nothing against the president, adding, "the rumour is one of the many lies fabricated to suit themselves.

The Chief cautioned that, "those who have ears to hear, let them hear that we the people of Anlo, and for that matter the Ewes, have come to realise and accept the truth. That because of the nature of the Rawlings revolution, there

was the need for some one to sacrifice in order to set an example of leadership that we are all looking for."

"We know that altruism, service to others, is the secret key that has opened the door of success, and brought peace and stability to the people of Ghana", Togbe Kporku said.

He added that the Anlos are proud to be identified with the source of this peace, which has prevented the wave of ethnic killings as it is happening in other sister countries.

The Chiefs and people have also declared their support for Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills' as the next President and called on him and other members of the Executive to "glorify" President John Rawlings by turning attention to the development of the area.

They expressed appreciation for the individual efforts of Mr Godwin Anagbo, a citizen, in the development of the area.

Togbe Kporku announced the communities' plan to honour Warrant Officer I Andreas Tettey, the President's personal security guard, for his "steadfastness and loyalty" over the years.