GAMA sanitation and water project honored with engineering excellence award for innovative solutions

The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Sanitation and Water Project (SWP) has been recognized for its groundbreaking contributions to the WASH sector with the prestigious Engineering Excellence Award.

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) presented this accolade to the project under the projects/practitioners category at the 2023 Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on March 22, 2024.

Ing. George Asiedu, the Coordinator of the GAMA SWP, expressed his surprise and gratitude for receiving this esteemed award, emphasizing the project’s core mission of ensuring universal access to sanitation facilities by 2030, with a specific focus on reaching marginalized communities.

Facing challenges with traditional sanitation solutions like septic tanks and KVIPs, the project team embarked on a journey of innovation to develop the biodigester toilet—an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative that has garnered widespread acclaim.

The impact of the GAMA SWP extends far beyond infrastructure provision, encompassing significant improvements in public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

With over 50,000 household toilets installed, modern school facilities upgraded, sewerage systems enhanced, and water access expanded to thousands of households, the project has set a high standard for urban sanitation initiatives in Ghana.

Ing. Asiedu’s visionary leadership and commitment to collaboration with experts have been instrumental in the project’s success, showcasing the transformative power of innovative engineering solutions in addressing complex societal challenges.

The project’s achievements have been widely recognized across various sectors, including NGOs, media outlets, and engineering bodies, solidifying its reputation for excellence and positive impact.

The GAMA SWP’s success has sparked interest nationwide, with calls for its replication in other regions, highlighting its potential to drive nationwide change in sanitation practices. Notably, the project was previously honored by the umbrella body of NGOs and CSOs in Ghana as the most impactful project over the decade.

In 2023, the media in Kumasi also bestowed another award on the project, recognizing it as the most impactful WASH project, further underscoring its legacy of excellence and transformative impact in the sector.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor