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

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The once-thirsty fishing community, where families struggled daily to access clean water, now benefits from a sustainable water project that includes the construction of five boreholes and the establishment of a water management committee.

This initiative not only provides access to clean water but also educates the community on hygiene practices, significantly improving their overall health.

Sharing the community’s plight with Adom News, Kabiti chief, Alfa Okonte recounted days when residents had no option but to depend on the contaminated Oti River for their household chores and other activities.

He said they were suffering from thirst, typhoid and waterborne diseases due to the lack of access to clean, potable water.

According to the chief, the commissioning of the water facility is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact that organizations like World Vision can have on the lives of those in need.

He pledged that the community will adopt a maintenance culture to ensure the sustainability of the project for future generations.

Mabel Kabukor, a midwife at Kabiti CHPS Zone, highlighted the positive impact of the water project on public health.

She said before World Vision’s intervention, they recorded numerous waterborne diseases, cholera, and typhoid infestations.

Now, with access to clean water, the community’s health can improve and allow them to focus on other pressing health issues instead of battling preventable diseases.

Kete-Krachi World Vision Cluster Manager Irvin Aboagye expressed the organization’s commitment to addressing the longstanding water challenges faced by the community.

He explained that, access to clean water is a basic human right and that no one should have to suffer from preventable diseases due to a lack of access to safe drinking water.

He emphasized the importance of access to clean water for the overall development of a community and commended the residents of Kabiti for their resilience and cooperation throughout the project.

Irvin Aboagye advised community members to take proper care of the facilities so that they last to serve their intended purpose.

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By the year 2030, the United Nations anticipates a staggering 40 per cent deficit in water supply compared to demand.

Freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce in regions prone to drought, attributed to factors such as climate change, population growth, and excessive exploitation.

With over two billion individuals lacking access to safe water and sanitation, achieving the UN’s social development goal of universal access by 2030 seems dauntingly distant.

This is why the humanitarian organization Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin (MAA) has stepped in, providing clean water to 52 communities across the Ashanti, Bono, Western North, and Northern regions of the country.

The clean water sources have reached several communities, including Tolon, Mion, Savelugu, Bimbilla, Nakpachie, and Gbambuni No 1 in Yendi, all situated in the Northern region. Sawaba and Gamborongo-Awiadoone, alongside other communities in the Upper East region, have also benefited from these clean water sources.

Communities such as Sunyani Zango, Sefwi Asawinso, Adankwame, Sekyeredumase, Wiamoase, Amanten Senior High Senior, and Mampong Bosofour, among others in the Ashanti, Western North, Bono, and Bono East regions, have been included in these projects.

The water supply project, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, includes a 15-cubic storage tank connected to strategically placed standpipes in each of the 52 communities.

The water is sourced from mechanized boreholes equipped with photovoltaic systems, and it is distributed through transmission and distribution lines. This initiative is expected to benefit a significant number of people, including animals in the areas and neighbouring communities.

MAA’s Executive Director, Ismail Mohammed Kamil, emphasized that the provision of clean water is not only essential for individuals but also crucial for entire communities.

“It goes beyond simply providing water; the goal is to ensure access to clean water that is safe for various household uses, including cooking, washing, and sanitation purposes.”

On August 3, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly officially acknowledged access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right, on par with other basic rights such as life, liberty, freedom of expression, and education.

The UN highlighted the critical importance of this recognition, stating that the lack of access to safe, sufficient, and affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities profoundly impacts the health, dignity, and overall well-being of billions of people. It emphasized that this deprivation has significant implications for the realization of other human rights.

In 2015, the United Nations embraced seventeen “Sustainable Development Goals” as a global roadmap aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, lessening inequality, and safeguarding the planet by 2030. Goal 6 concentrates on ensuring universal access to a sustainable and clean water supply, as well as adequate water sanitation for all individuals.

Ismail emphasizes the intertwined relationship between poverty and the absence of clean water, highlighting that a critical aspect of poverty alleviation involves ensuring access to safe water.

He said when water resources are improved and maintained sustainably; it significantly contributes to the economic advancement of a community and diminishes poverty levels.

“Clean water is our greatest challenge,” remarks Abena Asiamah, a resident of Bosofour near Ashanti Mampong, emphasizing the profound impact of the situation on school children’s punctuality. According to Abena, the circumstances are dire.

Abena Domaa echoes the sentiments of others, expressing sorrow over the absence of drinkable water and highlighting its immense value, asserting that life would be unbearable without it.

The only accessible mechanized boreholes are those requiring payment from residents. However, the impoverished argue that continuing to pay for this life-saving resource is financially burdensome. Consequently, residents are left with the choice of relying on the existing well or paying for water.

In these communities, women and children spend up to six hours daily fetching water, significantly limiting women’s ability to generate income and depriving children of educational opportunities.

Now, Mrs. Asiamah and Abena have gained access to clean water, and their circumstances are expected to improve significantly in the coming weeks.

Ismail emphasizes that when any segment of a community is marginalized in this manner, it hampers social and economic development.

He explains, “For instance, when children attend school instead of spending their days collecting water, it opens up more opportunities for them and economically benefits the entire community.”

Adizatu Kuburah and Faiza Mohammed, residents of Techiman Karkie, expressed their gratitude, noting that although they had tap water in their homes, it was often inconsistent. Adizatu mentioned that the construction of the water sources, directly pumped to an erected tank, has significantly improved the situation.

Faiza Mohammed emphasized that the previous water source was frequently overcrowded and unreliable, making her daily tasks more difficult. She mentioned, “I used to come here to fetch water even late at night to help with my household chores.”

Abubakar Jibril, the treasurer of the local cattle business association, pointed out that their cattle had to travel to other areas for drinking water, causing inconvenience.

The provision of water directly to their doorsteps has brought considerable relief to the residents.

Ismail expressed his gratitude to KSrelief for entrusting the project to them. He stated with confidence that MAA is fully committed and eager to oversee and complete this project wholeheartedly, transparently, and accountably.