As part of efforts to improve the living conditions and quality of life for all, the SNV Netherlands Development Organization through its Healthy Future for All (HF4A) project has constructed and handed over nine mechanised water systems across nine communities in Nandom Municipal and Lambussie District respectively.
Each of the 9 solar-powered mechanised systems is estimated to supply about 2,220 gallons of potable water per day to residents to improve the water supply, sanitation and hygiene needs of the communities.
The major components of the water system included a borehole, reinforced concrete platform six metres high above ground installed with a 10,000litre polyethylene tank, varied length of distribution and transmission pipe network, and is powered by solar PV generators were commissioned on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 in the Upper West Region.
The mechanised water facility is expected to boost significantly, health service delivery in the areas as it has been connected to the Piina Health Centre, Naawie Health Centre and the community, Naapaal Health Centre, and Community, as well as the Karni Basic School and Dampuor Community.
Addressing Chiefs and people of the two beneficiary communities at Ko in Nandom, the Country Director of SNV in Ghana, Barbara White Nkoala said, prior to the construction of the water facilities, patients, staff, pupils, and community members had serious difficulty in accessing water due to the long hours spent in pumping low yielding boreholes.
“SNV has been in Ghana since 1992 and has implemented 46 projects since 2012 in the Agri-food, Water and Energy sector totaling 192million euros, all ensuring change in livelihoods for the Ghanaian,” she stated.
The Country Director of SNV in Ghana, mentioned that “a total of 21 solar powered water systems has been constructed, 12 already handed over to the beneficiaries and the last set of 9 currently being handed over”.
She added that, a total of 275 HWF have been provided and they are currently in the process of purchasing more for the health care facilities, and schools with access to sanitation blocks in some schools and health care facilities have been a major challenge.
“Total of eight (8) toilets blocks, six in health care facilities and 2 in schools, were built and handed over. We are also in the final stages of 11 facilities for schools with expected completion date in mid-October”.
On the aspect of the challenges, she disclosed that “On basic access to water, about 30 per cent of households in both districts do not have access. This is related to issues of travel distance to water points, breakdown and drying of water points, and behavioral aspects around water use.
Whereas for schools, progress is seen in both water and sanitation, still 20 per cent of schools do not have basic water supply, and 24 per cent do not have toilets”.
On his part, the Upper West Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, while commending SNV for their support, said the commissioning of the solar powered water systems is an innovative project that is not only a piece of technology, rather a beacon of hope and testament to what can be achieved when determination meets collaboration.
“Over the past years, SNV has been a relentless advocate for sustainable development in our communities. They have worked tirelessly to introduce and boost up programs that empower residents and enhance access to essential services and promote environmental sustainability”, the Minister stated.
According to the Minister, SNV effort extend beyond just water and sanitations, as they have engaged with local schools to incorporate WASH education into the curriculum.
“Creating a generation that understands the critical importance of clean water and hygiene practices from an early age,” he appreciated.
George Gerald Naluri, the Lambussie District Chief Executive, lauded the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and its partners for supporting the district over the years to improve upon access to WASH services.
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Story By Ibrahim A. Wangara|3news.com|Ghana
