The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Zacharia Mba, has made a solemn commitment to shield the district’s water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey).
He stressed the area’s critical role as the lifeline for the potable water supply to the entire Ashanti Region.
Speaking in an interview during the public sitting of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee on Tuesday, Mr. Mba asserted that his administration has significantly intensified patrols along major river bodies to prevent contamination by illegal miners.
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“Atwima Nwabiagya North produces about 80 per cent of fresh water for the Ashanti Region. We will not sit down and allow it to destroy our water bodies,” the DCE declared.
He disclosed that a joint patrol team, comprising personnel from security agencies and district officials, has been deployed to monitor and protect both water sources and forest reserves.
“I initiated a patrol with my security team to monitor our water bodies and boundaries. We are working hard to protect our environment and farming communities,” he stressed, underscoring the seriousness of the environmental degradation challenge.
The DCE also provided updates on ongoing development projects being financed through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), which he said are designed to address community needs and boost local infrastructure.
He highlighted key projects, including the construction of a theatre and a maternity ward at Asuofua and the completion of a police station at Amakyebare, alongside new three and four-unit classroom blocks in the area.
“We have completed the police station and are putting up three and four-unit classroom blocks,” he stated, adding that the police have already inspected the new station, with commissioning discussions underway.
Mr. Mba noted that the district is currently pursuing seven legacy projects, with three actively under construction, including the health facility and two classroom blocks at different locations.
On the district’s financial health, Mr. Mba reported a positive trend in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) collection, demonstrating improved financial management.
“As of September, we received GH¢1,025,685 out of our target of GH¢1,556,000. Compared to what we budgeted for, the district is performing well,” he reported.
The Assembly, he added, has held recent meetings with revenue collectors to review targets and address any shortfalls, which have led to noticeable improvement in collection efforts.
The DCE admitted that challenges persist, particularly in road infrastructure, education, and access to potable water in some communities. However, he assured the public that a portion of the DACF allocations is being directed towards drilling mechanised boreholes and expanding educational infrastructure.
Mr. Mba reaffirmed his commitment to the timely completion of all projects and the continued safeguarding of the district’s vital natural resources. “Atwima Nwabiagya will soon see the full impact of our developmental projects. We are on top of our plans,” he assured.