World Vision Ghana has commissioned solar-powered mechanized boreholes for the people of Wudzedeke and Bedzame in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region.
The boreholes bring an end to decades of water scarcity and related health challenges in the area.
The borehole, initially drilled in 2021 by the Haven Hand of Rescue Project, was later mechanized by World Vision and handed over to the communities on Thursday September 4, 2025.
Dr Gregory Allgood, Director of Water at World Vision US, recalled that when the organisation first visited Wudzedeke, they found residents consuming highly unsafe water.
“Nurses confirmed cases of diarrhoea, typhoid fever, skin rashes, and other waterborne diseases linked to the water source. We resolved to provide the community with safe drinking water to prevent these illnesses,” he said.
Dr Allgood highlighted World Vision’s broader water programme, noting that over the past 40 years, the organisation had provided 4,000 water points, benefiting 1.5 million people in Ghana.
“We are working in 23 districts and have a bold vision to reach everyone, everywhere we work. This includes 700,000 people, 500 schools, and 200 healthcare centres. With God’s help and the right partnerships, we will get it done,” he added.
Mr Irvine Aboagye, Regional Operations Manager of World Vision, emphasised the importance of safe water in reducing poverty and improving health.
He said the mechanised system, financed at a cost of US$25,000 through World Vision USA, and its donors, would ensure reliable and sustainable access to potable water.
“While we acknowledge Haven Hands for drilling the initial borehole, World Vision fully financed the mechanisation you see today. Whoever brings water brings life, and this partnership shows what can be achieved for the wellbeing of children and their families,” he said.
Mr Aboagye urged the beneficiary communities and Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) to ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
He also called on the government to increase investments in safe water delivery, citing a 2017/2018 survey that found widespread E-coli contamination in both water points and household storage.
Mr Alfred Eklu Odikro, the District Chief Executive, described the intervention as timely and transformative.
“Water is life. Without it, there can be no good health, no education, no agriculture, and no sustainable development. This facility will ease the burden on mothers and children, while reducing waterborne diseases,” he said.
He urged the community to take ownership of the project through proper management and maintenance.
Awadada Vizaze Adzaho V, Warlord of the Ziope Traditional Area and Chief of Wudzedeke, also expressed gratitude, recalling the community’s struggles with unsafe river and dam water.
“Carrying bowls for long distances has become a thing of the past. We are committed to sustaining this project and have already formed a committee, opened a bank account, and agreed to raise revenue for maintenance,” he said.
He further appealed to World Vision to support the community’s next priority: the construction of household latrines, as poor soil conditions have made pit latrines ineffective and a health risk.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Torgbui Kiti Kata I, Chairman of the Haven Hand of Rescue Project, alongside traditional leaders, assembly officials, and community members.