Statement By Hon. Amidu Chinnia Issahaku World Water Day On The Commemoration Of The 2023 World Water Day

THEME: ACCELERATING CHANGE

Mr. Speaker,
That water is important to human survival cannot be overemphasized. and that adequate supply of fresh (i.e clean portable and uncontaminated) water is essential for individual wellbeing is not in doubt. That is why the United Nations established the World Water Day in 1993 to focus attention on the sustainable use of water resources and to reassess our commitment to help address the global water crisis. Today Wednesday March 22nd Ghana is joining the International Community to observe the day, which is under the theme "Accelerating Change". Indeed, the theme is an invitation to all of us to reflect on our individual commitment to contribute to the global Water Action Agenda.

Mr. Speaker,
It is worrying that in spite of our support for the campaign and efforts to provide "Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene which is the most basic human need for health, well-being and dignity" (SDG, 6), Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General states that the "world is woefully off-course to achieve our goal of water and sanitation for all by 2030". It is interesting to note that barely seven (7) years to 2030, billions of people across the globe still do not have access to safe water and toilets. In Ghana, the narrative is a bit different as Government has prioritised the water sector, which led to intervention that increased the provision of potable water and improved sanitation to thousands of households and communities. According to Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources Annual Progress Report 2022, 87.7% of Ghana's population have access to basic drinking water services while access to basicsanitation services is 25.3%. Notwithstanding these efforts, human activities such as illegal mining, sand mining, discharge of waste into the rivers and waterbodies, clearing of vegetation along river course among others, floods and drought as well as climate change, threatens the gains made in the provision of clean water to many Ghanaians.

Mr. Speaker,
Anthropogenic changes to our ecosystems due to the excessive demands on vegetation around water bodies, has gradually lowered retention by the earth's surface, and the limitation of the inherent capacity of nature to filter dirt from the water. These rapid developments in our surroundings are causing increasing damage to the natural environment, especially the water resources (both surface and groundwater).

The hard truth of changes in the rainfall pattens and the difficulty to find water in dry season could be much explained by our people living in rural communities. They are either having floods in the rainy season or often draught in dry season. Indeed, Inadequate access to safe drinking water threatens the well-being of more than 1 billion people around the world, and more than twice that number have no adequate sanitation.

Mr. Speaker,
With water-borne diseases accounting for a large percentage of mortality and morbidity, especially in developing countries, and the general spike in the numbers

during epidemics, floods, and drought, it is crucial for us to double our efforts in our commitments to providing access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene to all by 2030.

Mr. Speaker,
The Government is not relenting to help communities to access adequate clean water. As a key and essential component in our drive, the Ministry through its agencies is considering nature-based solutions, and climate smart approaches to promote water conservation and effective watershed management to create healthier landscapes that are more resistant to droughts and floods. Undeniably, a community's access to stable sources of water is crucial to their long-term resilience.

Mr. Speaker,
Consequently, Government continues support to develop sustainable infrastructure for the provision of safe water and adequate sanitation to Ghanaians has contributed to the national well-being of more people and curtailed the spread of infectious diseases and other ailments that are caused by unsafe water.

Some projects being undertaken by Ghana Water to increase access to good drinking water includes;

COMMUNITY WATER AND SANITATION AGENCY PROJECTS (MARCH 2023) INCLUDES.

Five (5) Districts Water Supply Scheme (STRABAG) which is to serve about Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand (230,000) people among others.

Implementation of these projects are in line with Government Policy to ensure that the Ghanaian population enjoys access to safe water. With sustained efforts, this could also help lower the burden of health care costs and improves productivity, which creates a positive ripple effect on national economy.

Mr. Speaker,
I take this opportunity to thank Members of Parliament for their efforts in the provision of potable water to their constituencies through various schemes and sometimes from their personal sources. Government recognises your efforts and take this opportunity to thank you and urge you to continue to partner with Government in the provision of portable drinking water to your people.

Since water and effective sanitation are assets that are shared by every Ghanaian, it is instructive that weincrease our commitment to collaborate to address water-related issues.

Similarly, we need to adopt simple and practical ways to reasonably utilise precious water resources in the country.

Mr. Speaker,
As part of observing the Day we could adopt the following measures to help conserve water so that others have access:

• Save Water: Take shorter showers and don't let the tap run while you brush your teeth, washing dishes or cooking.
• Flush safe: Fix leaking pipes or report any leakages you see, empty full sceptic tanks and report dumping of sludge.
• Stop Polluting: Stop galamsey, don't discharge waste into drains and rivers.
• Protect nature: Plant a tree orcreate a raingarden to reduce risk of floods.
• Clean ups: Take part in clean-ups of rivers, lakes, and water bodies in your locality.
• Be curious: Find out where our treated water is stored and how it is distributed.

Mr. Speaker,
If we face water and sanitation crises in the world, do we stand and stare? or do we act?

The 2023 World Water Day is all about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. And since water affects us all, we need everyone to take action.

That means you and I have to take some action to accelerate the change, we need. We need more action, including individuals like you. Indeed, you as an individual, your families, friends, and communities, can make a difference by changing the way you use, consume, and manage water in your lives.

You are therefore encouraged this day to consider the importance of water, and to work towards its responsible use to help achieve the universal access water, sanitation, and hygiene for all individuals by 2030.

Our commitment this day will go a long way to be captured in the Water Action Agenda, which will be launched at the UN 2023 Water Conference - and this would be the first event of its kind for nearly 50 years. This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the world to unite around water.

Honourable Members, let's Join the campaign. Let's Play our part to increase access to water.

Do what you can to accelerate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to make this special statement on this Special World Water Day.