From left to right: Mr. Benjamin Arthur, Executive Director, CONIWAS; Dr. Kwesi Owusu, Executive Director of Creative Storm; Mr. Frederick Addea; Mr. Jonas Kakariba Jubulo, Chief Manager, Water Quality Assurance and Toon Van de Nheuvel during a panel discussion of the documentary
The European Union (EU) delegation in Ghana, together with Vitens-Evides International – a social venture non-profit company – has undertaken a project to ensure water quality and sustainability through capacity building for technical staff of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).
The project, “Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance,” focused on the issue of poor water quality in Ghana and developed standards for improving the capacities of the GWCL through an improved water testing methodology, testing laboratories and potable water kits for schools.
Mr. Ignacio Burrull, EU head of corporation in Ghana, said access to safe water hygiene and sanitation is of particular importance for development because of its bearing on women and girls.
He said although the country had made significant progress in providing access to improved water sources to 80 per cent of the population and eliminating Guinea worm, there were still complex struggles in sanitation that needed urgent attention.
“Despite these successes, about 4,000 Ghanaian children still die each year from diarrhea; about 23 per cent of Ghanaian children suffer from stunting and five million Ghanaians have no choice but to use water from unsafe sources,” he observed.
Mr. Burrull further noted that activities like galamsey or widespread uncontrolled use of fertilizers and agro-chemicals close to water bodies, form a critical criminal threat to human and environmental health through lethal pollution of surface water.
European Union Week
Mr. Burrull was speaking at the launch screening of a water documentary. The documentary, produced by Creative Storm, highlights the achievement of the EU-funded water project.
It combines insightful interviews and testimonies with engaging visuals to highlight the importance of water quality to health and social development.
The screening formed part of activities lined up to mark the 2015 European Union Week celebration in Ghana.
The celebration, marked the world over, is themed “The European Year for Development: Promoting Development Cooperation Around the World,” while highlighting the progress made on the famous Millennium Development Goals.
An important topic for development during the year is, “Human Right to Water and Sanitation.”
Project Impact
Mr. Frederick Addea, Director of Water, Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing, said access to safe drinking water is a basic human right which is essential to public health.
He said the project undertaken at the major centres in Accra, Kumasi and Trakoradi had greatly helped to increase the quality of water to Ghanaians.
Mr. Addea stressed that it is the responsibility of all citizens to ensure that water sources are protected from pollution.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
Via: -Daily Guide
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