The impact of Kosmos water project and sustainability
Developing countries including Ghana have an array of needs ranging from safe water to infrastructure, healthcare to education. Often, these needs aren’t met due to limited or shrinking government budgets.
Advertisement
However, some civic-minded businesses are helping to meet social needs as they seek to support government to promote sustainable development. In Ghana, one such company is Kosmos Energy.
Social investments
In 2013, Kosmos Energy, the first company to discover oil in commercial quantities in Ghana, began investing in a multimillion-dollar small-town water project that currently serves an estimated 30,000 people in 19 communities in the Jomoro, Ellembelle, Nzema East and Ahanta West districts of the Western Region.
Kosmos Energy’s Vice-President and Country Manager, Mr Joe Mensah, says the company has an obligation to invest in the people of Ghana. “We are committed to Ghana and we have worked hard to build a positive legacy by making significant contributions both in terms of local content and social investment.”
After visiting the communities served by the water project, the Daily Graphic learned that the project had impacted positively on people’s lives and increased the value of land. The availability of hygienic water sources has improved the health of the people and boosted opportunities for small businesses in the area.
Previously, the communities had drawn water from streams as well as open wells, which, according to health officials, were not hygienic. Residents in many of the communities confirmed that water from the wells was seasonal and often contaminated.
One resident, Agya Yankey at Princess Town in Ahanta West, said the well in his community was contaminated with waste and other objects. “Sometimes the wells dry up and we have to draw water from the river we share with animals, which is not the best,” he said.
In the Jomoro and Ellembelle districts, the water project has reduced the government’s healthcare burden by virtually eliminating waterborne diseases.
Businesses and jobs
With their golden beaches, communities such as Princess Town, Miamia, Krisan, Atuabo, Nzulezu and New Town in the twin-districts, have seen growth in the tourism and hospitality industry. However, many investors faced the added cost of drilling water wells and then mechanising production to serve clients.
After the visit, it was clear that as a result of the Kosmos Energy water project, new businesses from hairdressing, hospitality resorts, star-rated hotels, and car washes among others now have a reliable source of clean and potable water to support their businesses.
Some hotels confirmed to the Daily Graphic that they sourced water from the Kosmos water project and paid commercial rates to the communities for the service. Many households have also connected metred lines to their houses and are charged monthly.
Schoolchildren & teachers
In the past, schoolchildren had to queue at community wells for water and this became frustrating during dry seasons. Similarly, teachers working in the communities found it difficult to face discoloured and contaminated water on a daily basis.
Today, these difficulties are a thing of the past. Some of them either have water systems connected directly to their houses or they live closer to the water kiosks for easy access. Students are able to report to school early since the turnaround time for drawing water has improved significantly.
Health and well-being
The Daily Graphic visited one of the primary healthcare facilities to better understand the correlation between the water system and health status.
The Nursing Officer in charge of the Ekabeku Health Centre, Mr Broni Anim Adjei, said the water project had helped to improve the well-being of the people. “We mostly record cases of gastroenteritis which is attributed to the use of water from contaminated sources. They often have problems with drawing water from the public wells which are not mechanised and mostly contaminated,” he said.
Mr Adjei said after the completion of the project, such cases had reduced drastically and could not remember the last reported case.
Waiting forever
For many of the district chief executives, were it not for Kosmos Energy’s investments their communities would still be waiting for a potable water system due to the lack of a budget allocation. They said the mechanised boreholes could not be maintained because they were used for free.
Kofi Buah – Ellembelle MP
“Today, water is made available to the people on the stilt village on the Amanzule River and underground, a great boost for tourism and has improved access to clean and potable water.”
The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, said the project had brought a complete change in the lives of the people in addition to electricity, therefore, improving the health of the people. He added: “We have no option than to commend Kosmos Energy for the support.”
The MP, who is also the Minister of Petroleum, said the project was one of the most important because it directly and positively impacted the lives of the people. “People have access to water, which means they have access to life. And I must say that this water could be expanded beyond the current 19 beneficiary communities.”
Advertisement
Challenges
In some of the communities, the assembly provided mechanised boreholes, but they have become dysfunctional due to the lack of funds for maintenance. The community members attributed it to failure of the people to pay few pesewas for their upkeep.
Under the Kosmos-sponsored water project, revenue generation was factored into the project scope to overcome this challenge and ensure sustainability. The communities with severe water scarcity understand and they are paying for the services without complaints.
The way forward
According to Mr Joe Mensah, as part of its long-term plan, the company is now looking at a larger flagship project that will potentially affect the national economy. “We are now at the planning and selection stage. By the end of this year, we expect to be in a position to announce that project.”
Kosmos stressed that it was committed to the country and that it was in the country for the long term to contribute to the development and welfare of the people of Ghana.
Advertisement