NORIST water and sanitation project launched

The Northern Region Small Town, (NORIST), water and sanitation project has been launched in Tamale.

The $30 million project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency is expected to provide 30 Small Towns in the Eastern corridor of the region with a water system.  

Launching the project, the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Albert Abongo said Diarrhoea is a major cause of death among young people and it is the government's policy to provide congenial conditions for the youth to grow into healthy adults.  

The Sector Minister said the enormity of the fight against insanitary conditions and inadequate clean water supply comes top most for the provision of potable water and better sanitation facilities for the country to attain the Millennium Development Goals.  

Mr. Abongo said government will not spare any public officials whose action or inaction detracts the smooth implementation of the project.  

A representative of the Canadian High Commission, Michael Gort disclosed that CIDA has since 1973 provided $170 million for 21 different projects to improve the lifestyles of the people in the country.   

He disclosed that about 125 million people are expected to benefit from the NORIST project. He said CIDA will also support the proposed Savanna Accelerated Development Authority.

The Northern Regional Minister, Stephen Nayina commended CIDA for its contributions towards the provision of drinking water for the people.  

He said the initiative is not only timely but will eliminate water borne disease from the area. 

He stressed the need for the establishment of water and sanitation development boards in each of the project areas to manage the facilities.