The government has urged citizens to disregard the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) assertions that the one village, one dam policy is causing financial loss to the state.
The NDC on Sunday called on the government to completely overhaul the construction of the dams in the northern parts of the country as it was not serving the purpose for which they were constructed.
However, in a statement signed by Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, he called the bluff of the NDC indicating that they never offered any credible response to the beneficiary communities that requested for dams during their tenure.
The NDC also alleged that per the cost of each project, the contracts were awarded for excavated ponds and not dams.
But Mr. Oppong Nkrumah explained that the model and specifications of dams requested for under the programme is what is being provided.
“Currently, three hundred dams are under construction. Four out of the three hundred dams, representing 1.3%, are the only ones to have recorded challenges. These include ongoing works at the dam at Kajelo in the Kassena-Nankana West District which was damaged by unexpected rainfall. The damage has since been rectified. It is these four, that the NDC (which continuously fails to provide alternative solutions to the irrigation challenges up north), suggests are evidence of a failed program which has caused financial loss to the State.About 99% of the projects are proceeding without incident….The remaining dams are expected to be completed after the rainy season. Therefore, the claim that only forty dams have so far been constructed is another one of the usual falsehoods the NDC often attempts to feed the Ghanaian public with.”
“Ghanaians are once again urged to disregard the usual propaganda and casting of aspersions on national programs from the NDC, while it offers no credible alternatives to tackling the challenges of our people. The Implementers of the program are guided by the remarks of the President to ensure value for money.
There are concerns that the implementation of the policy has so far been poor.
Out of the 40, some residents have complained that the dams had either dried up or were built properly.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has promised to investigate the development while the Vice President asked Development Authorities not to pay contractors who fail to meet the specified standards.
