The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, has intensified stakeholder engagement efforts to support the successful implementation of the Tamale–Damongo Water Supply Project by consulting traditional authorities across the Savannah Region and seeking their endorsement of the project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
As part of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement initiative, Hon. Mutawakilu paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo. The visit formed part of broader consultations involving the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salifu Biawurbi and key technical partners aimed at facilitating the smooth execution of the project.
Discussions centered on the introduction of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), a key component of the Tamale–Damongo Water Supply Project. The RAP is designed to identify and document properties that may be affected by construction activities, including farms, residences, and lands. It will also define pipeline routes and establish compensation and resettlement frameworks for affected persons.
Addressing the Yagbonwura and his council of elders, Hon. Mutawakilu emphasized the importance of transparency, collaboration, and active community participation throughout the implementation process.“This project is being undertaken in the interest of the people, and their involvement remains essential to its success. We are committed to ensuring that all affected persons are adequately informed, engaged, and treated fairly throughout the implementation process,” he stated.
To strengthen communication between GWCL and local communities, the Managing Director introduced two coordinators who will serve as focal persons for stakeholder engagement, public education, and sensitization activities within the project area.
The Damongo Water Supply Project is expected to significantly enhance access to safe and reliable potable water in Damongo and surrounding communities, where residents have faced persistent water shortages, particularly during the dry season. Upon completion, the project will provide sustainable pipe-borne water services to thousands of households, support economic development, and contribute to improved public health outcomes.
The Yagbonwura welcomed the initiative and assured GWCL of the full support of the Gonja Traditional Council. Traditional leaders commended the company’s consultative approach and its commitment to ensuring that affected residents are appropriately considered and supported throughout the project.
During the visit, Hon. Mutawakilu also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Busunu Traditional Area, Busunuwura Jonokpowu Monasa, where he expressed appreciation for the allocation of land for the construction of a booster station that will form an integral part of the water supply infrastructure.
The GWCL Managing Director further visited the Paramount Chief of the Yapei Traditional Area, Yapeiwura A.B.T. Zakaria, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional authorities and secure community support for the successful delivery of the project.
These engagements underscore GWCL’s commitment to inclusive development, effective stakeholder participation, and sustainable infrastructure delivery as the company advances efforts to address the long-standing water challenges facing Damongo and its surrounding communities.
Source: nkilgifm.com
