Accra: The Rotary Club of Wa has commissioned six new water facilities across three districts in the Upper West Region, aiming to enhance access to potable water for local communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project includes five hand-pumped boreholes located in the Kakalaazu and Nadowli-Ganga communities of the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Fian and Bussie-Nayirkori in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, and Samambo in the Wa West District. Additionally, a mechanized borehole has been installed in the Domangyili community in the Wa West District. This initiative is expected to benefit more than 7,000 residents, particularly women and girls who traditionally bear the responsibility of fetching water, especially during the dry season.
Previously, these communities relied on dugouts and wells or had to travel long distances to obtain water for domestic use. The Rotary Club of Wa's intervention, funded by the Rotary Grant GG2352766 of the Rotary Foundation, has significantly alleviated these challenges. This development is seen as a restoration of dignity regarding water access and usage.
During the commissioning, residents expressed their gratitude for the new facilities. Madam Clementia Saamaala, a resident of the Nadowli-Ganga community, highlighted the health benefits, noting that they are now spared from using potentially unsafe water sources. Similarly, Madam Christian Boyor from the Bussie-Nayirkori community described the past struggles of waking up early to queue for water and how the new boreholes have eliminated such issues and reduced conflicts among community members.
Mr. Jonathan Kwofie, President of the Rotary Club of Wa, reassured the communities of the Club's dedication to supporting their development through collaborative efforts. The selection of these communities for the project followed a thorough needs assessment and consultations with local opinion leaders, which underscored the urgency of addressing water access issues.
Mr. Stephen Mwinkaara, Service Project Director at the Rotary Club of Wa, urged the communities to maintain the new facilities to ensure their longevity and to attract further development projects. The initiative aligns with Rotary International's focus areas, which include enhancing water and sanitation, disease prevention, and economic and community development, among others.
