PURC inaugurates 4 mechanised boreholes for Dua community
The perennial water crisis that has plagued the people of Dua and surrounding communities in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region over the years has been significantly reduced.
This follows the inauguration of four mechanised boreholes by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) last Wednesday at Dua in the Upper East Region.
The boreholes are fitted with 10,000-litre storage tanks and standpipes to ensure a reliable, clean water supply to the beneficiary communities, including Dua Yikene, Dua Junior High School, Dua Nayiri and Dua Yidoorago.
Pro-poor project
The initiative is part of the PURC's pro-poor project funded under the PURC Act 2010 (Act 800), aiming to provide safe drinking water to underserved communities that often rely on unsafe sources such as streams, dams, and dugouts.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Upper East and North East Regional Manager of the PURC, Seth Kponyo, said the project formed part of efforts to support Ghana’s attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6), which seeks to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030.
He indicated that the construction of the boreholes was prompted by a request from a community resident, William Amuna, in accordance with PURC's Act 2010 (Act 800).
“We call upon the district assembly, assembly members, chiefs and opinion leaders to work together in maintaining and sustaining the project to achieve the ultimate goal,” he said.
Community's appreciation
The Chief of Dua, Naba Agengimogere Akurugo, said the provision of the boreholes was a long-awaited necessity.
“For years, we have lacked potable water, and today we are grateful that our people will finally have access to clean and safe water,” he said.
A resident, Hannah Baba, recounted the struggles women in the area endured in search of water.
“We used to walk for at least an hour before we could get water.
This slowed down productivity and placed undue pressure on women, who are often responsible for fetching water for the household.
With the boreholes, we can save that energy for other productive ventures,” she said joyfully.
The District Chief Executive for Bongo, Joseph Akaseke Abaa, commended the PURC for responding to the call of an illustrious son of the area, Mr Amuna, for the project.
“This is a big relief for us. One borehole is difficult to come by, and today we are talking about four.
We are truly grateful and will ensure these boreholes are maintained to serve generations,” he said.
The DCE appealed to PURC to extend similar facilities to other parts of the district, particularly due to the high fluoride content in the area’s water sources, posing a health risk.
