Open defecation will be a thing of the past – Prez assures

President Akufo-Addo speaking at the durbar at Nalerigu[/caption] President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated government’s commitment to eradicate open defecation in the country. Speaking at a durbar in Mamprugu on Saturday, July 21, President Akufo-Addo said some 5,000 households would be provided with toilet facilities nationwide, under the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives. The President stated that Mamprugu and its environs will also benefit from a community toilet project, which is being rolled out by the Ministry. “We are determined to fulfill the 1-toilet-1-household commitment that we made, and the Mamprugu area is going to receive about 300 toilets each, from Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale, and a total of 1,000 household toilets are going to be constructed in this area to improve sanitation,” he said. The President added that, “by the grace of the Almighty and our hard work, open defecation in Ghana is going to be a thing of the past.” President Akufo-Addo also revealed that construction for an improved water system for Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale, all in Mamprugu, would commence in September. The project which is one among many to be carried out in rural areas within some six regions is expected to improve water supply in the beneficiary areas. “Last year, I announced that the government was procuring a $45 million loan from the World Bank to provide water in rural areas of six regions, and I announce that Mamprugu will get its first share. So, I am saying here today that the improve water system in Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale will start in September this year, two months from now.” President Akufo-Addo stated that 35,000 gallons of water each will be added to the system in each and every town, with new boreholes drilled to add more water to the amount of water supplied within the area. He also said all pipelines in the area are going to be replaced, to allow all households to have access to water. On the erratic nature of power supply in the area, the President noted that the transmission line that serves Nalerigu from Yendi is too long, and results in problems that interrupt power supply. “The decision has been taken to remove the line from Nalerigu to Garu, and as things will have it, poles were brought yesterday (Friday) to begin the work. Very soon, I think that erratic power supply will be a thing of the past,” he assured. With reference to the ongoing electrification projects in the Northern Region, the President indicated that out of the 434 projects, East Mamprusi is going to receive 80 of such projects. By Irene Amesimeku| 3news.com| Ghana]]>