Access to potable water remains a significant challenge in northern Ghana, particularly in the Kalande community of the Salaga South Municipality.
Residents are appealing to organizations and companies to assist in providing additional boreholes to ease the burden of water collection, which disproportionately affects women and children.
In a heartfelt appeal, the chief of Kalande, Nana Apempamade II, expressed gratitude for the mechanized borehole donated by the KGL Foundation but emphasized that one borehole is not enough to meet the needs of a community of about 5,000 residents.
“We are grateful for the support from KGL for providing us with one mechanized borehole, but it is not enough. We need more boreholes to serve our community,” Nana Apempamade II.
Imoro Charles, the assemblyman for Kalande, highlighted the difficulties faced by women and children, who often have to travel long distances to fetch water, particularly during the dry season.
“Our women travel long kilometers before they can get water, especially during this dry season. One mechanized borehole is simply not enough for our needs,” Imoro Charles, Assemblyman for Kalande
Yaa Kadah, a local resident, echoed these concerns, stressing the physical and emotional toll on women.
“Every day, we endure long walks to fetch water. It is exhausting and takes away precious time that we could spend on our families or work,” Yaa Kadah
During the recent commissioning of the mechanized borehole, Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei, Programmes Manager at the KGL Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to addressing water shortages in underserved communities across northern Ghana.
“Our goal is to provide water to underserved and deprived communities in the Northern Regions of Ghana. We aim to contribute to Ghana’s achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to water. Currently, nine communities have functional mechanized water systems,” Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei, Programmes Manager, KGL Foundation
He further assured residents that the foundation remains committed to supporting communities facing water crises across Ghana.
In response to the donation, Chief Nana Apempamade II urged residents to use the water responsibly and maintain the borehole for future generations.
“I encourage all of you to use the water as expected. We must take care of this resource for ourselves and for future generations,” Nana Apempamade II
The Kalande community remains hopeful that more boreholes will be provided, reducing the stress and long distances endured in search of water. With improved access to clean water, residents believe their quality of life will significantly improve, allowing them to focus on education, work, and community development.
By Solomon Kwame Solomon
