Hon. Dr. Ewurah Suleman Kandia Mahama, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Wa East District Assembly, has cut sod for the construction of two irrigation dams at Gilang and Tuasa which are predominantly farming communities in the District.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 19, 2021, the DCE said the dams have come at the right time to augment farming activities in the communities which households and families largely depend on for earning decent living, and especially where rainfall patterns can no longer be predicted.
The soft speaking DCE was particularly happy that residents of the beneficiary communities would not only engage in dry seasoning farming but would also create alternative yet lucrative business avenue for youths, who otherwise would engage in ‘galamsey’ – illegal small scale mining.
He indicated that he would ensure the projects are completed within the stipulated timelines and that the works are done properly as expected saying that, he has the reserved powers to abrogate the contract if works are not done according to the project specifications.
The Chief Executive thus, called on members and authorities in the communities to take interest in the projects and support the contractors to see the projects to completion.
The DCE also charged the contractors to deliver quality work by the contract specifications to yield the intended benefits.
The contracts to commence works on the large irrigation dams for the communities were handed over to Akabi Limited and Grumah Twins Company Limited for Tuasa and Gilang respectively.
The contractors promised to complete the projects on time and in high quality saying that, some quota of community labour intensive works would be employed to support the work force.
With their faces beaming with elation, the chief and the community members expressed gratitude to the DCE and government for swiftly responding to their plight.
The Chief of Gilang, Naa Alhaji Seidu Suleman, handing over the site, expressed gratitude for the kind gesture, and pledged support for the DCE and the contractor to see to the completion of the dam.
The Assembly Member of the Dupari Electoral Area, Hon. Attawullahi Ibrahim, said it was an honour done the people of his electoral area and that it was a relief to the people.
He said the dam would serve the farming needs of the people – both crop cultivation and animal rearing – as well as serve their water needs.
The projects, comprising a long dam wall, concrete spillway and irrigable area, are expected to be completed within 12 months.
This projects have come barely 5 months after Info Radio had carried a story of the residents of Gilang appealing for an irrigation dam. Info Radio shall not renege on our efforts at getting our audience heard and their problems solved.