A group of angry residents of Broto in the West Gonja municipality of the Savannah region has vandalized the Damongo Alternative Water Supply project site, destroying the fence and some pipes. This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the future of the project, which aims to provide alternative water supply to Damongo township and surrounding communities, including Broto.
According to Yerinaa Vitalis, a native and resident of Broto who spoke to Spear news team, the action of the residents was surprising, given that the Alternative Water Supply project is intended to benefit the entire Damongo township and surrounding communities, including Broto. Vitalis believes that the residents’ actions were influenced by their perception that the project was affiliated with the NPP, as it began during President Akuffo Addo’s tenure. However, he emphasized that the project is a Government of Ghana initiative.
(Cue Audio Yarinaa Vitalis)
The caretaker of the project site, Mr. Majeed, shed more light on the situation. He explained that the residents’ actions were perpetuated by their consistent perception that the water from the project would be tapped to serve the people of Damongo township, leaving the Broto community without access. However, Majeed clarified that the contract agreement stipulates that the water will be distributed to the Broto community before nearby communities and subsequently to Damongo township.
Majeed further revealed that there is a schedule for the opening of the borehole for the people to fetch water, although the contract is currently on hold due to delayed payment to the contractor. Despite this, the residents are demanding that the borehole be opened to them always. Majeed recounted an incident where he was summoned to the chief’s palace after a woman came to fetch water when he was not around.
(Cue Audio of Majeed)
Mr. Mugeez Mbigamsi, a former assembly member of the area and technical person to the project, expressed disappointment over the community’s actions. He explained that the project is an alternative water supply initiative aimed at addressing the lack of water in Damongo, pending the completion of the Damongo water project. Mbigamsi attributed the residents’ actions to ignorance and misinformation, which has hindered developmental projects in the area.
(Cue Audio of Hon. Mugees)
The “Damongo Alternative Water Supply” project is a Government of Ghana initiative, supervised by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources and Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) as the implementing agency. The project was awarded to Danak Engineering Company Limited as the contractor. However, information gathered by Spear FM indicates that the delay in the project’s completion is due to lack of funds disbursement to the contractor, resulting in delayed payment.
The incident highlights the need for effective communication and education to address misconceptions and ensure the successful implementation of development projects. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in project management to prevent misinformation and mistrust.
