By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Badukrom
The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) has handed over a new 40,000-litre water facility to the Badukrom community, located in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality of Western Region.
This gesture aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to improving clean water access in its host communities.
The GH¢285,000 facility replaces an earlier system provided by the Foundation five years ago, which had developed operational faults including long refill times and high maintenance costs due to declining pump efficiency.
At a brief ceremony, Executive Secretary of the Foundation Mr. Abdel Razak Yakubu explained that the new system is under a defect liability period, during which any faults should be promptly reported for rectification.
“We can’t keep returning to build new projects because old ones are neglected,” he stated, stressing the need for sustainable community-led management.
He said the Foundation, in partnership with the community, will investigate causes of the previous system’s failure – be it mechanical or operational – and explore possible restoration, ensuring the community benefits from multiple water sources.
“We believe this is a worthy investment. Water, they say, is life,” he said.
However, he cautioned that “the gift of life requires responsible stewardship”, urging residents to follow the strong example set by New Atuabo in maintaining their facility.
Mr. Yakubu noted that the Badukrom project follows a similar handover at Fiaseman Senior High School and forms part of the Foundation’s broader water infrastructure initiative.
“Additional projects are currently underway in Mile 10-Damang, Huniso, Huni Valley and Akoon,” he said.
Sofo Johnson, Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly Water and Sanitation Officer, echoed the call for sustainability and financial responsibility. “Water is not free anywhere in the world,” he reminded residents, announcing that monitoring mechanisms will soon be implemented to ensure equitable financial contributions toward the facility’s upkeep.
He also called for an end to preferential access, warning that all community members must be held equally accountable for the project’s sustainability.
Ahmed Amidu, Okyeame of Badukrom, expressed gratitude to the Foundation and pledged the community’s full cooperation in maintaining the facility.
He urged residents to take pride in the project and ensure its long-term success, hoping it will attract further infrastructure investment to the area.
