Five communities in Ghana receive solar-powered mechanized boreholes — MyJoyOnline
Five communities in the Kassena-Nankana West District of Ghana’s Upper East Region have received solar-powered mechanized boreholes. The new facilities are expected to improve residents’ access to clean and reliable water in the communities of Yua, Kazigu, Pungu-Manchoro, Kandiga-Abempingo and Mirigu, MyJoyOnline reports.
Partnership water project
Funding was provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while the projects were implemented in partnership with the Ghanaian organization Engage Now Africa — Ghana. The solar systems are intended to make water supplies more stable and reduce the time residents previously spent traveling to collect water.
According to Cecilia Amankwa, director of Engage Now Africa in Ghana, the lack of safe water particularly affects children, who have to walk considerable distances carrying buckets when they should be in school.
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Ezra Taft Otoo, a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said that about 4,000 people in one of the communities had walked two to three kilometers to fetch water. He noted that the previous water source appeared contaminated. According to him, the new boreholes will allow people to spend less time looking for water and devote it to economic activities and other tasks.
Water for household use and gardening
The chief of Kazigu, Pe Asangchera Alua, said the new water infrastructure would also be important for the community during the dry season. In particular, residents will be able to use the water for small gardens and growing vegetables. He said the local dam dries up about three months after the rainy season, so it cannot meet the community’s needs throughout the dry period.
Community leaders, local residents, project representatives, contractors and representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took part in the commissioning ceremonies.
