The training programme, which is being done in collaboration with the Sekyere East Cluster of the World Vision Ghana (WVG), is to provide the needed skills and knowledge to the committee members to help improve community sanitation and efficient management of boreholes and water bodies that served as a source of drinking water for the people in rural communities.

Mr Emmanuel Arthur, the District Community Development Officer, speaking at the opening of the training programme for committee members from 13 communities, said it would also help improve the livelihoods of children and women in rural communities through enhanced and uninterrupted water supply, sanitation and hygienic conditions.

Some of the topics treated were community and stakeholder relationships, conflict resolution, water and sanitation management, facilitation skills, record keeping and filing as well as proper accountability by community leaders.

Ms. Beatrice Kwarteng, the District WATSAN committee chairperson, said lack of water and sanitation committees in some communities had resulted in the poor management of water and sanitation facilities.

This had also led to conflicts and mistrust among members in some communities.

Ms. Kwarteng said the training would help empower the committee members to collaborate effectively with community members to ensure active participation and ownership of water and sanitation facilities.  Mrs. Georgina Harriet Nyamekeh, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer of the Sekyere East Cluster of the WVG said the training was to ensure the sustainability of the huge investments made in rural water and sanitation projects in the district for the people.

She called for mutual collaboration and responsibility of community members and all stakeholders in managing water and sanitary facilities in the various communities.