A group of angry residents in Broto, located in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region, vandalized the Damongo Alternative Water Supply project site, damaging the fence and some pipes. This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the future of the project, which is intended to provide an alternative water supply to Damongo township and surrounding communities, including Broto.
Yerinaa Vitalis, a native and resident of Broto, expressed surprise over the residents’ actions while speaking to the Spear News team. He emphasized that the Alternative Water Supply project is designed to benefit the entire Damongo township and its surrounding areas, including Broto. According to Vitalis, the vandalism may have been fueled by a perception that the project is politically affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as it commenced during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. However, he clarified that the initiative is a Government of Ghana project, not a partisan one.
The caretaker of the project site, Mr. Majeed, provided further insight into the situation. He explained that residents feared the water supply would primarily serve Damongo township while neglecting Broto. However, he reassured the community that the contract agreement specifically prioritizes supplying water to Broto before extending it to nearby communities and, eventually, Damongo.
Majeed also revealed that a schedule had been set for opening the borehole to allow residents to fetch water. However, with the project currently on hold due to delayed payments to the contractor, residents have been demanding unrestricted access to the borehole. He recalled an incident where he was summoned to the chief’s palace after a woman attempted to fetch water while he was away.
Mr. Mugeez Mbigamsi, a former assembly member and technical advisor to the project, condemned the vandalism. He explained that the initiative was designed as an interim solution to Damongo’s water challenges while awaiting the completion of the larger Damongo Water Project. He attributed the community’s actions to misinformation and a lack of understanding, which, he noted, has often hindered development efforts in the area.
The Damongo Alternative Water Supply project is a Government of Ghana initiative overseen by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) serving as the implementing agency. The project was awarded to Danak Engineering Company Limited as the contractor. However, according to information gathered by Spear FM, the delay in its completion is due to the government’s failure to disburse funds, leading to unpaid dues for the contractor.
This incident underscores the need for effective communication and community engagement to prevent misconceptions that can derail development projects. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in project management to foster trust and cooperation among stakeholders.
