Sekyere East introduces “Pay-as-you-fetch” policy

By
Gideon D. Ebbah, GNA

Effiduase (Ash), Oct. 3, GNA – The Sekyere
East District Assembly has introduced a “Pay-as-you-fetch” policy to help raise
revenue to maintain boreholes and other water supply facilities in the
communities within the area.

The new policy allows water and sanitation
committees to collect fees from the people when they use water from the
community water supply systems.

Mr Emmanuel Adjei Baafi, the Presiding Member
(PM), who announced this said the aim is to generate adequate revenue to ensure
prompt maintenance and rehabilitation of water supply systems in the
communities to ensure uninterrupted flow of potable water.

He was speaking at the 2nd ordinary
general meeting of the assembly at Effiduase.

Mr. Baafi pointed out that persistent
financial constraints had over the years made it difficult for the assembly to
ensure prompt maintenance and rehabilitation of boreholes and other water
supply systems in rural communities, making it difficult for the people to
access quality water.

The policy, according to him, was being
introduced as an effective measure to mobilize the needed financial resources
for community members to maintain and repair their water systems without
relying on the assembly.

It would also engender community ownership of
the water facilities and promote effective supervision at community levels.

Mr Baafi said the amount to be charged
together with its accountability and safety would be decided by members of the
community under their own circumstances.

Mr. Charles Attah-Mensah, the District
Coordinating Director urged the Assembly Members to cooperate with members in
their electoral areas in ensuring that the policy was smoothly implemented and
sustained for the benefit of the people.

He also called for effective community
participation and collaboration in the implementation of the policy to ensure
ownership.

GNA