Filed by: Fayilatu Issah
The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Naval Captain (Rtd.) Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali Esq., has described the donation of a solar-powered mechanized borehole to the Chansaa community in the Wa Municipality as not only part of his corporate social responsibility as a government appointee, but also as a personal responsibility to his home community.
This comes after the Ghana Maritiime Authority commissioned and handed over a solar-powered fully mechanized borehole to the Chansaa community.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali said he considers it a privilege to contribute to solving the challenges confronting communities in the Upper West Region, especially for Chansaa.
He explained that having been given the opportunity to support society with projects that address pressing needs, including schools and water facilities, he chose to focus on water because many communities in the region continue to face challenges accessing potable water.
According to him, the decision to provide the facility to Chansaa was influenced by the community’s persistent water challenges, despite an existing borehole provided by the Wa Municipal Assembly.
The borehole was insufficient to meet the needs of residents, particularly those living in areas far from the existing facility who continue to walk long distances in search of water, he stated.
Dr. Kamal-Deen disclosed that the project was of great priority to him since Chansaa is his home community and expressed his readiness to continue to support the community in addressing other developmental challenges.
The solar-powered water system in Chansaa is one of four that have commissioned by the GMA. Other beneficiary communities of the water projects in the Municipality are Bihee, Boli and the T.I Ahmadiyya Senior High School.
MCE touts performance for Chansaa
On his part, the Municipal Chief Executive for Wa, Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa, highlighted a number of development projects undertaken in the Chansaa community under the current NDC administration.
He noted that the Ghana Maritime Authority’s borehole project was not the only development initiative being implemented in the community.
The MCE mentioned the completion of an abandoned school project started under the previous government, which is now being used by students, the provision of the borehole, the installation of streetlights and ongoing efforts to extend electricity to Dooraayiri within two weeks.
Alhaji Danwanaa said the newly commissioned borehole would significantly improve access to water in the community, particularly because it is solar-powered.
He explained that unlike the existing Assembly-provided borehole, which relies on electricity, the new facility is powered by solar energy, thereby reducing operational and maintenance costs.
The MCE expressed gratitude to Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali and his team for bringing development projects to his home region and appealed to other sons and daughters of the Upper West Region who hold public appointments to emulate the initiative by contributing to the development of their communities.
Call for Effective Maintenance
Also speaking, the Secretary to Chansaa Naa, Naa Abass Asani, who spoke on behalf of Chansaa Naa Yakubu Abdulai, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Maritime Authority for supporting the community with the facility.
Naa Abass Asani said the facility will bring relief to residents, particularly women who continued to struggle to access water and were sometimes forced to rely on the river.
He also appealed to residents to take good care of the borehole and ensure that it is properly maintained so it can continue to serve the water needs of the community for many years.
