ATEBUBU A: Gov’t moves to address cholera menace

Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong II, receiving items

Government is to release an amount of GHS 160,000 to replace worn out pipelines of the Atebubu water system.

This is to ensure the supply of potable water for the people of Atebubu and surrounding communities in order to reduce the perennial outbreak of cholera in the district.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo announced this when addressing traditional authorities in Atebubu after he has led delegation to assess the situation on the ground following a cholera outbreak in the district which has claimed ten lives so far.

Mr. Ampofo said the visit was at the instance of his Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills following some unfavorable media reports on the situation.

He praised the health authorities for their efforts at containing the situation and promised the immediate release of GHS 10,000 for the purchase of chlorine for water purification as an interim measure pending the replacement of the pipelines.

The Minister presented 310,000 pieces of chlorine tabs, quantities of large plastic buckets fitted with pipes and accessories like basins  soap and litter bins for use in public to ensure the proper washing of hands during gatherings to reduce infections.

Earlier in a welcome address the Atebubu-Amantin District Chief Executive Mr. Sanja Nanja had sought the intervention of the Minister to have the 2.5 kilometer defective pipeline replaced.

Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister reiterated that the prompt response of the team is indicative of the people centeredness of the National Democratic Congress government and called for good sanitation practices by the people.

The Omanhene of the Atebubu traditional area Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong II called for the provision of drains in the township to improve sanitation. He also suggested the use of concrete pipes instead of plastic due to the humid nature of the environment which has adverse effects on plastic pipes.

There was a demonstration of the usage of the chlorine tabs as well as the bucket device.

The minister and his entourage later visited the Atebubu Roman Catholic basic school and the district hospital where he spoke to cholera victims on admission and donated an amount of GHS 500.00 to them.

The team also visited relatives of some of the deceased to console them.

Daniel Oduro-Stewart/Ghanadistricts.com