DCE Cuts Sod for 60,000-Litre Mechanised Borehole at Ahwerewam

DCE Cuts Sod for 60,000-Litre Mechanised Borehole at Ahwerewam

​By Anita Frimpong

​In a decisive move to tackle the acute water crisis facing residents of Ahwerewam, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South-East, Hon. Issaka Yamba Nelson, has cut the sod for the construction of a 60,000-litre mechanised borehole.

​The project, a collaboration between the District Assembly and the Safe Water Network, aims to provide a reliable and sustainable source of potable water for a community that has long struggled with water insecurity.

This project will significantly improve public health outcomes by reducing dependence on contaminated rivers and streams.”

​Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Nelson emphasized the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through infrastructure, education, health, and clean water.

​”The people of Ahwerewam have been without access to safe drinking water for too long, and it is time to change that,” Hon. Nelson stated. ”

​The DCE noted that the project is expected to be completed within six months. He lamented that the community’s traditional water bodies have been rendered unusable due to the heavy pollution caused by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

​The intervention is part of a broader strategy by the Assembly to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of illegal mining. Hon. Nelson highlighted that galamsey has devastated local ecosystems, leaving residents with no choice but to seek alternative water sources.

​Adding to this, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ahafo Ano South-East, Hon. Yakubu Mohammed, revealed that his office is working closely with the District Assembly to lobby the government for the introduction of Responsible Cooperative Mining in the area.
​According to the MP, this initiative seeks to provide regulated, environmentally sustainable mining opportunities for locals as a viable alternative to destructive illegal operations.

​Hon. Mohammed issued a stern warning to those persisting in illegal mining activities, announcing a shift toward more aggressive enforcement.

​”We have been fighting illegal mining for a long time, but this time, our approach will be different,” the MP stressed. “We will not only arrest illegal miners; their equipment will be seized and burnt to ashes to ensure they cannot return to the sites.” He stressed.