For generations, the people of Kpedze Anoe in the Ho West District of the Volta Region woke up each day to the same grim reality: the search for water.
Women and children carried heavy containers to the Atidze River, a brownish stream that was the only lifeline during the long dry months. In the rainy season, they stored rainwater in barrels, hoping it would last.
But too often, their efforts ended in sickness—cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid—names that became part of everyday vocabulary.
Today, that painful story has taken a new turn. A 20,000-litre mechanized borehole now stands in the heart of the community, bringing safe, potable water to households for the very first time.
The facility, provided by Growth Aid in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has transformed what was once a dream into a living reality.
Assembly Member for the area, Alhaji Akao Minkaila, described the intervention as “life-changing.”
He believes that with clean water now flowing, the waterborne diseases that plagued families for decades will finally be driven into the past.
For Growth Aid, the project is about restoring dignity. Dr. Joe Lambongang, CEO of the NGO, underscored that “access to safe water is not a privilege but a right.”
He said the project was born out of a determination to end the needless suffering of the community.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints echoed that sentiment, grounding their support in faith.
Representing the Church, Elder Ignatius Baido explained: “Our work is guided by the commandment to love God and to love one’s neighbour. This borehole is an act of love.”
District Chief Executive for Ho West, Professor Francis Dussey, expressed gratitude, highlighting that the project is a powerful demonstration of valuing human dignity.
He appealed for more partners to support the district in tackling persistent water challenges.
Beyond the speeches, the impact is already visible. Women who once trekked miles to fetch water can now invest their time in farming, trading, or caring for their families.
Children are spared the daily drudgery of water collection, freeing them to focus on school. And households now have the assurance that the water they drink will not make them sick.
For Kpedze Anoe, this borehole is not just a facility—it is a symbol of hope, health, and a new beginning. From the muddy Atidze River to crystal-clear taps, the community’s journey reminds us of a simple but profound truth: water is life.
Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie
READ ALSO:
