The Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) has provided water facilities to two communities in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

According to the Corporate Affairs Manager of GREL, Perry Acheampong, the construction of the water projects is in line with the Company’s commitment to give meaning to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Six, which seeks to provide access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.

“There were extensive stakeholder consultations, engagements and discussions among GREL, Nananom, residents of the  two  communities and EPA on the need for a more safe, hygienic and quality access to drinking water for residents of Ellobankata, than  the river which served as the source of drinking water for the community.

“It is our hope and expectation that the leadership of Ellobankata and Chavene will put in place effective mechanisms to ensure that these beautiful facilities which cost ¢287 are well maintained to serve their purpose,” he added.

Chavene and Ellobanka have been battling with access to potable drinking water for years as residents in the farming communities usually have to share the only source of water with animals.

Besides, illegal mining activities and other human practices pollute the water bodies and make the look brownish and green, thereby posing health dangers to the health of people in the areas.

Following their conditions, GREL has commissioned the water facilities to help reduce the water crisis in the community, which gets worse during the dry seasons.

Mr. Acheampong highlighted the need to create and maintain a strong relationship with stakeholders of the Company for improved livelihoods of residents in their operational communities.

This, he said, is done by firmly holding on to their sustainability policy of respect for human rights, responsible development of their operations, and best management practices in line with national and international laws, regulations and conventions.

The Chief of Ellobankata, Nana Bediako, said the lack of potable drinking water for the community has been one of his headaches for years as residents kept complaining about the impact of the situation.

Meanwhile, the Omanhene of Lower Axim Traditional Area, Awulae Attribrukusu III, has lauded the water projects.

He contended that it is the responsibility of companies to provide such facilities for communities they operate in to enhance peaceful co-existence.