Government has sourced an undisclosed amount of funds from the Australian Government to improve water supply of the Akuapem Ridge.
The terms of the project would be the procurement of huge pumping machines that could withstand the pressure of pumping enough water to the whole of the Akuapem Ridge.
Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the out-going Eastern Regional Minister, who disclosed this at a meeting with chiefs from all over the Akuapem state in Koforidua on Thursday, said the project when completed would end decades of water problem in Akuapem.
He indicated that the Akuapem water problem had persisted not because water was not enough to reach the area but because of the low pressure pumps that could not contain the capacity needed for pumping water across the hill.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo assured the people that all things being equal, the project would be completed by the end of the year and appealed to the chiefs to unite their front to give the needed support for government’s developmental agenda.
The meeting was at the instance of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional Peace and Advisory Council (ERPAC) to chart a course to resolve the 16-year-old chieftaincy dispute in the area.
The out-going regional minister who did not mince words said government and for that matter the RCC could not behave like an ostrich as if nothing was happening and that all would be done to ensure that development was not stalled.
He said apart from the water project, government was also constructing eight three-and-six unit classroom blocks in Akuapem to end the shift system that was breeding truancy and retarding educational progress.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said as strength lied in unity so also could government continue to initiate programmes that would improve the wellbeing of the people in a peaceful and united atmosphere.
He said the President’s declaration of 2011 as an action year must be activated in all fronts including the chieftaincy institution, which he described as a real force to partner with in any well and meaningful development.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo, who has been appointed the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, reiterated government’s commitment in ensuring that development spread equally and not on any special inclinations.
He urged the chiefs to be committed to the road map charted at the meeting for lasting peace to redeem the image of Akuapem.