Four projects have been handed over to communities within the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region. 

The projects are a mechanized water system at Babianeha Ward 2, a 32-shed market at Drobo, an abattoir, and a toilet facility, both at Japekrom, expected to improve the sanitation situation in the communities.

At Babianeha, Madam Mary Henewaa, a resident, said it was a daily struggle as they had to trek long distances for water, a situation she said affected the school attendance of their children and their family lives.

“Our children will have no excuse not to assist us in fetching water since they will not have to risk crossing the major roads, and the tension between us and our husbands will reduce as they will have water to use anytime,” she said with a smile.

Another resident, Florence Ankamah, in thanking the assembly for coming to their aid, urged them to provide more water systems for the growing population.

The chief of Babianeha, Nana Takyi Tuah II, recounted how the water situation led to resident’s refusal to partake in communal labor, adding that they can now use the water for the intended purpose to improve their lives. 

He appealed to the assembly to speed up other projects such as roads, clinics, street lights, schools, and community centers.

Municipal Chief Executive, Andrews Bediako, at the inauguration ceremony, said the handing over of the projects is significant because they will eliminate the challenges the people were going through daily.

“All these things will go a long way to help the chiefs and people in the communities. They will now have access to water, a market to sell their goods even on rainy days, a decent place to buy their meats and attend to nature’s call,” he said.

However, the maintenance of projects remains an issue in the communities. But Mr. Bediako said the communities will own and manage the facilities to address that.

“When the people own the projects, they normally take good care of them instead of saying they are for the government. So we are giving it to the community. They will own and operate them.

"A token will be taken for their usage for maintenance, and the assembly will come in as and when it is necessary”, he explained.

The Jaman South MCE, Mr. Bediako, emphasized his commitment to helping develop the communities with his abilities and the resources available.

He said, “People normally don’t remember what you do as a leader until you leave office. If you do well for them, your name will continuously be in their minds as they continue to derive benefits from what you did for them”.

Japekrom Aduanahene, Nana Amoabeng Asare Kontimaako, expressed delight with the hygienic meat that will come from the new abattoir for consumption. 

He also thanked the MCE for ensuring its completion after it was abandoned for years and further urged him to take steps to complete other abandoned projects in the community.

On his part, Nana Tanor Bediako V, Drobo Krontihene, appealed to the beneficiaries to diligently care for the market and further appealed to the MCE to provide lights at the market to enhance security at night.