Datuku residents in U/E Region appeal for basic amenities
Residents of Datuku, a mining community in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, have appealed for the provision of potable water and other basic social amenities for accelerated development.
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Although the area is endowed with mineral deposits and vast arable land for farming, the people lack the necessary facilities such as potable water, electricity as well as teaching and learning materials for schools. The roads linking most of the communities to Bolgatanga, the regional capital, are also unmotorable, particularly in the rainy season and it becomes dusty in the dry season.
It is for these reasons that the chiefs and people in the community have entreated the government and private investors, particularly mining companies operating in the district, to support them with those amenities to fast-track growth in the area.
Durbar
The Divisional Chief of the Datuku Traditional Area, Datok Naab Nubil Pelig Kusoa Yebik, made the appeal at a durbar at Datuku to climax the celebration of the Tenglebgre Festival.
He mentioned Zanwore, Moohnabgbin and Kulpeligtengre as some of the distress communities that needed water and electricity.
Naab Yebik also called on the Talensi District Assembly to liaise with mining companies and other investors in the district to provide Kulpeliga with a three-unit classroom block.
He further stated that it was important for the "unmotorable road from our district capital, Tongo, through Zooga,Yameriga, Sheagah to Datuku to be rehabilitated since that portion of the road network has now become very busy because of the activities of the mining companies in the area".
Unity
Naab Yebik expressed his commitment to ensure that the festival was used to foster unity to promote development in the area that was now attracting more investors in the minerals sector.
"It is this atmosphere of unity that can help us to entice the investors to discuss the social needs of this community," the chief stressed.
He further noted that, "It has been a long time we celebrated this festival with a durbar and in such a grand style. We seemed to have abandoned the way our ancestors celebrated it and I found it necessary to revive the spirit."
Commendation
The chief commended the government for the implementation of the Free Senior High School programme which, he noted, would enable more students from rural communities to also climb the educational ladder to pursue courses at the tertiary level.
He also expressed gratitude to the Talensi District Assembly for providing the Datuku community with a four-unit classroom block, a 12-unit accommodation facility for teachers, a clinic, among other things.
Festival
The festival was on the theme, "Tenglebgre, our rich cultural heritage should not be forgotten."
Tenglebgre is a festival celebrated by the people around the eastern part of the Talensi District and some parts of the Nabdam District. It is a time to give thanks to their ancestors and God for seeing them through a successful farming season.
