Speaking at the First Ordinary Meeting of the District Assembly at the District Assembly Conference Hall, the DCE said the district had remained largely peaceful and secure in recent months, describing peace as the foundation for meaningful development.

“Peace and security remain the foundation for any development,” he said. “Without peace, nothing else works.”

He attributed the prevailing peace to the efforts of the District Security Committee (DISEC), chiefs and traditional authorities, with support from the Regional Security Council (RESEC).

Strengthening Security

The DCE said the Community Support for Security and Management (CSSM) had provided two new Toyota Hilux pickup vehicles to the Sawla Police Command to enhance police response and operations.

Police officers had also received training in community policing to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and residents.

The DCE commended CSSM for what he described as a “massive intervention,” expressing hope that the prevailing peace would help attract investors and additional development projects to the district.

Boosting Education

On education, the DCE described investment in schools as one of the most important ways of securing the future of children in the district.

He said several education projects had either been completed or were ongoing, including a fully furnished three-unit classroom block at Gindabo, another three-unit classroom block at Sanyeri, and the renovation of the six-unit classroom block at Sawla Senior High School.

Repairs had also been undertaken at Sawla D/A Primary School, while a three-unit classroom block at Blema and the renovation of Kong D/A Junior High School were being supported through the Member of Parliament’s Common Fund.

The Assembly is also collaborating with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to provide additional infrastructure at Sawla Senior High School. The planned projects include a 12-unit classroom block, a two-storey science block, a dormitory and a fence wall.

The DCE said the projects, when completed, would provide teachers and students with improved facilities for teaching and learning.

Improving Healthcare

The Assembly has also made progress in bringing healthcare closer to residents, with the completion and furnishing of two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds at Norchiteyiri and Soma.

The DCE said the Soma facility would soon be opened to patients.

He further disclosed that, with support from CSSM, health facilities at Soma, Gbiniyiri and Goyiri had received modern medical equipment. CSSM was also supporting the construction and furnishing of another health facility in the district.

Expanding Access to Potable Water

Access to potable water has also improved, with eight new boreholes serving communities including Gbilpie, Josinteyiri, Gbondbondori, Nakwabi, Kodanyina, Sanoyiri No. 2, Gando and Lewayiri.

A solar-powered borehole had also been drilled at Nyangekura through the MP’s Common Fund.

The DCE said the Sawla water system had been expanded to cover additional areas, while an extra pump had been procured to improve water supply.

Call for Cleaner Communities

The Assembly also participated in National Sanitation Day and National Cleaning Day activities in Sawla township.

The DCE urged Assembly Members to take the lead in organising regular clean-up exercises in their respective electoral areas.

“Let’s lead clean-up exercises in our electoral areas. Keeping our communities clean is all of our responsibility,” he said.

The DCE expressed appreciation to development partners, security agencies, traditional leaders, Assembly Members and residents for their contributions to the district’s development.

“With peace, we can do more. And with more schools, clinics and water, we are building a district we can all be proud of,” he said.