The chiefs and people of Mafi Kumase in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region have launched a three-year sanitation improvement project.
The project is to be implemented between January, 2020 and December, 2023 and aimed at addressing sanitation problems within the community and its environs to promote healthy living and economic growth.
It was launched at the 30th "Tsiza" (Water Festival) anniversary celebration of the people dubbed, "Self -help development, reconnecting our past with the future : The turn of sanitation."
Togbe Brebtua IV, Mankralo of Mafi Traditional Area, said the horrifying sanitation situation in the area was taking a toll on the socio-economic activities and health conditions of the people, hence the initiative to curb the situation.
He said the project would focus on provision of improved household toilet facility and sustained public education on personal and environmental hygiene as well as tree planting to beautify the environment and give freshness to the atmosphere and the community.
Togbe Brebtua said the project aimed at providing 5,000 households with bio-digester latrines across the catchment area at an estimated cost of Gh¢2,000 for each, of which the fund shall be based on 50/50 cost sharing between the project and the beneficiaries.
He said, "it is our strongest belief that when we are able to achieve the objective of this intervention, many more opportunities including; job openings for the youth, a healthy working population among others would be established in the area," and appealed to government, benevolent and corporate institutions for support.
Mr Michael Yaw Gyato, Deputy Minister, Sanitation and Water Resources, lauded the chiefs and the people for the project and pledged the Ministry's support.
"The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources will lend its support to the good people of Mafi Kumase in their endeavour to deal with any difficulties that may hinder their quest to improve the state of sanitation in their communities," he stated
Mr Alexander Gabby Hottordze, Member of Parliament for the area also commended the chiefs and the people for the initiative and pledged his support for its success.
He said good sanitation ensured healthy living and enhanced rapid socioeconomic development, therefore it was imperative for all to keep the surroundings clean.
The MP said plans were completed to upgrade the community's clinic to a polyclinic status and also to fix its dysfunctional street lights and that of Adidome to improve the lighting system and security in the catchment area.