The Gushegu Water System project, inaugurated by the government, is set to significantly improve access to potable water for residents in the Gushegu Municipality, including the towns of Bulugu and Nyensung. This initiative was initiated in June and is being executed by the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), with a substantial investment of more than GH₵11.23 million from the government. The project aims to address the long-standing issue of water shortages faced by the local population, which is projected to reach about 53,954 people over the next 20 years, with an estimated daily water demand of 2 million gallons. Key components of the project include the drilling of two mechanized boreholes in Bulugu and two at Nyensung, both powered by solar energy and electricity, as well as the installation of 9.3 kilometers of pipelines. This infrastructure will lead to a high-level steel tank with a storage capacity of 35,200 gallons, enabling water distribution through 32 public standpipes.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Hassan Tampuli, the Member of Parliament for Gushegu and Deputy Minister of Transport, emphasized the transformative importance of the water system for the residents. He noted that the community had been bracing for severe water shortages through the upcoming dry season, exacerbated by the drought conditions in the Northern Region. The launch of this project not only counteracts those anticipated shortages but also brings joy and relief to the local populace. TAMPUVI highlighted the impact of the project on the daily lives of residents, making a commitment to cover the water bills for the first month, regardless of political affiliation, to encourage usage and promote the importance of the new system.
Mr. Dawuni Robert Yaja, the Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive, also spoke at the ceremony, urging local chiefs and community leaders to lend their support to the CWSA officials as they work to ensure the successful implementation of the water delivery system. He stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to help Gushegu meet national goals, including the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to provide universal access to safe drinking water by 2030. Yaja called upon the community to recognize their obligation to pay for water usage, drawing parallels to the importance of paying for electricity.
Naa-Yab Ziblim II, the Paramount Chief of Gushegu, expressed his gratitude towards the government’s initiative, highlighting the critical nature of potable water access in the community. He acknowledged that the availability of reliable water sources is fundamental to the wellbeing and health of residents and noted that such projects are vital in transforming the living conditions within the municipality. The chief’s support underlines the need for cooperation between authorities, traditional leaders, and the communities they serve to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of water resources.
Throughout the inauguration, the emphasis remained on collaboration and shared responsibility as essential elements in making this water project a success. Stakeholders were reminded to foster community engagement and draw public support for the initiative. Ensuring that residents recognize the importance of maintaining the infrastructure and paying for water consumption will be crucial as the government and CWSA work towards creating a sustainable and reliable water system for the future.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Gushegu Water System project marks a significant milestone in the effort to combat water scarcity in the region. Through substantial investment, strategic partnerships, and community involvement, the project aims to meet the pressing needs of over 53,000 residents, while also promoting long-term sustainability in water access. The collective efforts of government officials, local leaders, and community members exemplify a proactive approach to addressing critical public health needs and aligning with broader national and global goals for sustainable development.
