More than 32,000 residents across eight rural communities in the Oti Region will benefit from improved access to safe drinking water, following the commissioning and handover of newly constructed solar-powered mechanised water systems by World Vision Ghana.
The facilities, accompanied by disability-friendly sanitation infrastructure, were officially inaugurated during ceremonies held in the Kradentehcommunity of Krachi Nchumuru District and Nkyenekyene in Krachi West Municipality respectively.
The initiative, funded through World Vision Germany and World Vision Korea, aims to address long-standing challenges in accessing clean water, reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and promote improved hygiene practices in beneficiary communities.
Handing over the facilities in Krachi Nchumuru, the Southern Regional Manager of World Vision Ghana, Irvine Aboagye, emphasised that the projects reflect the organisation’s commitment to improving the well-being of vulnerable children and their families
“World Vision Ghana is dedicated to supporting children and communities to reach their full potential by addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice.
Our work in this district since 2020 has focused on strengthening WASH, health, education, and child protection systems,” he stated.
Benefits
In Krachi Nchumuru, six communities, Boafri, Wurenja, Korkose, Bitim, Borai-Nkwanta, and Kradenteh received solar-powered mechanised water systems comprising 48 water points and 96 taps.
These facilities are expected to serve an estimated 22,800 residents. Water supply has also been extended to six schools and four healthcare facilities.
To further enhance sanitation, three school latrines and two water closet facilities have been constructed, benefitting more than 900 pupils, teachers, and healthcare staff.
The Krachi Nchumuru projects were financed at a cost of $310,000 through World Vision Germany.
Mr Aboagye encouraged Water and Sanitation Management Teams to ensure sustainability through the “Pay-As-You-Fetch” model to maintain the systems.
“These investments must be protected. Community participation and proper facility management are key to ensuring that these water systems continue to function effectively for years to come,” he stressed.
Traditional leaders, led by the Chief of Chenderi, Nana Okoegye, expressed heartfelt appreciation and pledged to support the long-term maintenance of the systems.
Water burden eased
Meanwhile, in Krachi West, the communities of Nkyenekyeneand Sabaja celebrated what many described as a life-changing moment as two new solar-powered mechanised water systems were commissioned.
For years, women and children in these communities walked for up to two hours daily in search of safe drinking water.
Constructed at a cost of $90,000 with funding from World Vision Korea, the systems now provide reliable water through 16 water points and 32 taps, reaching nearly 10,000 people.
The water supply has also been extended to schools to improve hygiene practices among pupils.
The Assembly Member for Nkyenekyene, Moses Putan, expressed gratitude for the intervention.
“Women in this community used to walk long distances just to fetch water. Today, that struggle has ended,” he said.
Sustainability
Mr Aboagye reiterated that sustaining the systems requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, residents, and district assemblies.
“Together, we can continue transforming lives and improving the well-being of communities across the Oti Region,” he said.
The ceremonies concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure lasting benefits for current and future generations
