Accra: The Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) Ghana, in collaboration with its partners, has commissioned 47 water facilities in the Upper West Region to enhance access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services.
According to Ghana News Agency, 24 of these facilities were constructed in collaboration with the Helmsley Charitable Trust under the Healthy Future for All (HF4A) project in the Lambussie and Nandom Municipalities. The other 23 facilities were developed in the Lambussie, Lawra, and Nandom Municipalities under the Building Climate Adaptation Capacities (BCAC) project, facilitated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ) Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH) program, a component of the European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme.
The water facilities aim to reduce vulnerabilities in beneficiary communities, particularly among women and girls, and build resilience against climate change. They also contribute to Ghana’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Goal 6, which targets clean water and sanitation, and Goal 13, which addresses climate action.
During a commissioning ceremony at Kusele in the Lambussie District, Madam Theresa Swanzy Baffoe, Project Manager for the HF4A and BCAC projects, highlighted that the facilities would not only provide potable water but also serve as tools for improving health, education, and livelihoods. She emphasized the critical role of clean water in human existence and praised the community’s cooperation in implementing the project.
Mr Mathias Berthold, Team Leader of the REACH project, noted the significance of partnership and community action in addressing local issues. He commended the collaboration between GIZ, SNV Ghana, and the beneficiary communities, emphasizing the potential achievements when communities, local authorities, and development partners work collectively.
Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, applauded SNV Ghana and its partners for their contributions towards achieving the SDGs, particularly in ensuring sustainable water and sanitation management. He urged the communities to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their durability and effectiveness.