The German Development Cooperation, in collaboration with private sector partners, Blue Skies and Kasapreko PLC, has handed over newly installed mechanised boreholes to 24 districts in the Eastern and Bono regions.
It is to commemorate the World Water Day which focused on the importance of freshwater.
According to the United Nations (UN) 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water and observing the day raises awareness and calls for action to tackle the global water crisis.
The core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
Therefore, providing the mechanised boreholes is a crucial step to ensure that the catchment communities of these private partners, have clean and safe water.
They will ensure reliable access to clean water for several communities within Nsawam Adoagyir, Manya Krobo, Techiman North, Nkoransa North, Tain, and Akuapem South districts to name a few. This is because they are equipped with technology to efficiently extract water from underground sources and ensure a steady supply.
The initiative falls under a broader programme dubbed; “Covid-19: Comprehensive Pandemic Management for Employees, Families and Communities” project.
It is funded through develoPPP an NGO, and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The handing over event was held on Friday March 22, 2024 at Oboadaka in the Nsawam Adoagyir Municipal District as a symbolic commission of all 24 boreholes.
The Team Lead of develoPPP Ghana, Dr Holger Till, highlighted how vital water is, adding that its availability and sustainable management unlocks benefits including improved health, food and energy security, improved living standards, education among many others.
“This programme is actually very close to my heart. This is the real work I like to do and as a doctor who has been working in Ghana for more than 25 years, I know there is a very close relationship between water and health. So having clean water means having a healthy community and a healthy community means a productive population,” he said.
Dr. Till reechoed UNESCO’s statement that sharing is truly caring when it comes to water. He said for that reason, as partners in development, they acknowledge that equitable water future reinforces prosperity and peace for all, hence this action, which also sits within the objective of our covid-19 project.
“We are happy to contribute to this fundamental right and through this, together build a future worth living in; because clean water indeed means health,” Dr Hill added.
The Marketing Manager of Kasapreko PLC, Linda Aidoo noted that access to clean water is not just a necessity, but a fundamental human right yet many communities across the country still lack the basic need.
That, she said, is the reason the project marks a pivotal moment because together with its partners, her outfit is taking a step in ensuring that communities have safe and clean water.
“Our partnership with GIZ underscores our shared commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. Together we are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families and empowering them with the resources they need to thrive,” she said.
The Head of Corporate Affairs and Foundation of Blue Skies Ghana, Alistair Djimatey urged the community leaders and the people to efficiently and effectively manage the borehole to ensure longevity.
He used the opportunity to highlight some corporate social responsibility initiatives that his organisation has embarked on over the years, saying that they are committed to helping farming communities who provide them with raw materials needed for their products.
“Blue Skies, Kasapreko and GIZ have shown exceptional commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development by investing in this vital project. This partnership exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and shared purpose in making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we work with,” he added.
The Kyidomhene of Oboadaka, Nana Kofi Otu Kofi I, expressed his gratitude to the three entities for thinking about the needs of his community.
He disclosed that the community already has about six boreholes, however, the water they produce is not too healthy for consumption.
“Within a week of completion, the water changes colour and water like that cannot be used for anything meaningful. But the one constructed by GIZ, Blue Skies and Kasapreko, doesn’t seem to have any problem. You can store it for a long time and the colour remains the same,” he added.
Nana Kofi Otu Kofi I, used the opportunity to appeal to the organisations to renovate an existing clinic in the community to meet the health needs of the people.
“We thank you for not excluding Oboadaka community as part of your social responsibility and I want to say that every single member of the community really appreciates what you’ve done and we promise to do everything possible to maintain it so it can serve its purpose for a long time,” the Assembly Member of the Aboadaka Electoral Area, Laud Kwaku Akofu added.