Feasibility study begins on Okyereko reservoir
THE Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), in partnership with Enviro Solutions Limited, a private company, has begun feasibility study on the Gomoa Okyereko reservoir towards its dredging.
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The project, which is expected to be completed in three months, will provide a road map on the best way to clear the reservoir of silt.
The reservoir provides water for about 115 farmers in the town, whose primary occupation is rice production. The water level has gone down as a result of filth and this is, therefore, affecting the activities of the rice farmers in the community.
Inauguration
At a ceremony to mark the commencement of the project last Monday, a representative of GIDA, Mr Stephen Fianu, said it was long overdue since the silt in the reservoir had drastically reduced the water level and this posed a serious challenge to rice production in the town and its surrounding areas.
He said on completion of the feasibility study and subsequent dredging of the reservoir, the water level would go up as a result of the creation of a vast area for the storage of water, and urged the farmers to support the company to complete the project on time.
Ministry of Finance
The Coordinator of the Ghana Public Private Partnership Project (Ghana PPP) at the Public Investment Division of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Isaac Oware- Aboagye, recalled that four years ago, the government instituted a policy to partner private entities to execute projects in sectors such as agriculture, education and health.
MD of Enviro Solutions
The Managing Director of Enviro Solutions Limited, Mr Kofi Asiedu Boohene said dredging the reservoir would provide enough water for the 115 rice farmers who depened on the facility.
He said the project would provide jobs for the youth who would also gain knowledge on how to protect the reservoir.
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Mr Boohene stressed his outfit’s resolve to complete the feasibility study as soon as possible.
History
The acting president of the Okyereko Rice Farmers Co-operative Society, Mr Emmanuel Amoak, said the 40 feet reservoir was constructed by a former Head of State, the late General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong.
He stressed that the dam, which was 42-years-old, had not been cleared of silt since it was inaugurated and, therefore, the decision to dredge it was a great the farmers as it would help boost their production.
The Ebusuapanyin of the town, Nana Kojo Annobil, said the town needed support from the government and private institutions as most of their irrigation machines were faulty and needed to be repaired to ensure higher productivity.
Writer’s email: gilbertagbey@gmail.com