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The World Bank has earmarked GH₵20 million to support water and sanitation expansion in the Upper West Region. The amount covers the provision of 10 mechanized water systems for five districts, 250 boreholes for five districts, 25 KVIPs and rehabilitation of small town water systems in Nadowli and Kaleo. Dr. Ephraim Avea Nsoh, the Upper West Regional Minister, told journalists that completion of the projects, in addition to others, would aid the region to become one of the few regions in the country that are self sufficient in water supply. He said plans were far advanced to establish a waste processing plant in the region, adding that the plant would not only ensure a filth free environment but would also create jobs. Dr. Nsoh expressed gratitude to development partners, especially the World Bank, UNICEF and GIZ � a German based development corporation - for supporting the region with both financial and technical expertise. He expressed worry that awareness and access to the Skills Development Fund in the three northern regions was low, hence his resolve to kick start a sensitization programme not only to create awareness but also to encourage people to apply for the fund to develop their skills. Dr. Nsoh said the Region had a lot of potential in agriculture but added that uncontrollable bush burning coupled with mass charcoal production remained a threat to such rich potential. He said he was planning to come up with an initiative that would discourage the practices and encourage agriculture to enhance food security in the region and the country at large.