Five communities in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have received solar-powered mechanised boreholes to improve access to clean and reliable water. The facilities are located in Yua, Kazigu, Pungu-Manchoro, Kandiga-Abempingo, and Mirigu. This project was funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and implemented in partnership with Engage Now Africa – Ghana.
The solar-powered systems aim to provide a more reliable and sustainable water supply, reducing the time residents, particularly women and children, spend travelling long distances to fetch water. Country Director of Engage Now Africa, Cecilia Amankwah, expressed concern about the burden of lack of access to safe water on communities, especially children. She noted that it is heartbreaking to see young children carrying buckets on their heads and walking long distances in search of water.
Cecilia Amankwah stated that access to water remains central to the organisation's work, and they are grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' partnership in bringing clean water to these communities. The decision to mechanise the boreholes with solar power was intended to ensure that communities have a more dependable source of water. Ezra Taft Otoo, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the projects had come at an important time for the beneficiary communities.
Ezra Taft Otoo recalled visiting one of the communities and seeing the previous water source used by residents, which was visibly unclean. He understood that about 4,000 people were walking between two and three kilometres to fetch water from that source. The new mechanised boreholes will reduce the time residents spend travelling in search of water, allowing them to devote more time to their livelihoods and other activities.
The Chief of Kazigu, Pe Asangchera Aluah, noted that the project would have a significant impact on the community, particularly on farming during the dry season. He stated that the facility would provide opportunities for dry-season vegetable production, allowing people to have fresh green leaves to eat even when there is no rain. The new facility will support irrigation and help farmers supplement food production after the rainy season.
The commissioning ceremonies brought together community leaders, residents, project representatives, contractors, and representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The five projects form part of Engage Now Africa's commitment to addressing essential community needs and improving lives through its Heal, Rescue, and Lift mission.
The provision of the mechanised boreholes aligns with Engage Now Africa's goal of improving living conditions in beneficiary communities. The projects demonstrate the impact of partnerships between organisations in addressing critical community needs. Key initiatives like this are expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of residents in the beneficiary communities.
Key points
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Engage Now Africa – Ghana partnered to fund and implement the solar-powered mechanised boreholes project.
- The project aims to improve access to clean and reliable water for five communities in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
- The new facilities will reduce the time residents spend travelling in search of water, allowing them to devote more time to their livelihoods and other activities.
