The Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources has continued its public hearing to assess the implementation of sanitation and water projects by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana’s Western Region.
The second day of the hearing focused on reports submitted by the assemblies, following similar deliberations held on the first day. Discussions centred on the utilisation of the 20% District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation designated for sanitation and water infrastructure development.
Under the allocation, 10% is earmarked for sanitation activities, while the remaining 10% is intended to support the construction of mechanised boreholes to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water in beneficiary communities.
Committee Examines Use of Sanitation and Water Funds
During the public hearing, committee members scrutinised the funds received by the various assemblies, how the money had been spent, and the sanitation and mechanised borehole projects implemented under the programme.
The lawmakers also assessed the progress of ongoing and completed projects, examining their impact on local communities and the extent to which the interventions have improved sanitation services and access to clean drinking water.
In addition, the Committee considered the challenges confronting the assemblies in accessing and utilising the allocated funds effectively.
The engagement provided an opportunity for members to seek clarification on the reports presented by the assemblies and discuss concerns relating to project implementation, financial management and the delivery of essential public services.
Parliamentary Oversight to Promote Accountability
The two-day public hearing forms part of the Committee’s parliamentary oversight responsibilities to ensure transparency, accountability and the effective utilisation of public funds allocated for sanitation and water infrastructure.
Through the exercise, the Committee seeks to determine whether the DACF allocations are achieving their intended objectives and delivering measurable benefits to communities across the Western Region.
The review also highlights the importance of responsible public financial management in supporting sanitation development, improving access to potable water and strengthening local government service delivery.
Effective implementation of these projects is essential to improving environmental sanitation, reducing water-related health risks and promoting better living conditions for residents.
The Committee’s continued engagement with the assemblies is therefore expected to help identify implementation challenges and reinforce accountability in the use of public resources earmarked for sanitation and safe drinking water projects in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com