SOS Children's Villages Ghana, a leading name in child welfare in the country, has provided potable water for the people of Bunso and its surrounding communities in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The water project, is part of activities to mark the celebration of 40 years of the Village in Ghana.

The SOS Village said the project will provide an alternative source of water for the people who had been relying on the Birim River for water.

The National Director of SOS Children's Villages Ghana, Mr Alex Kekula, in his address emphasised that the organization was dedicated to helping alleviate the plight of children, who walked long distances for water, so as to enable them to concentrate on their academic work.

He also said SOS Children's Villages Ghana would continue to support the people in the provision of quality water to mitigate water-borne diseases, since the Birim River had been polluted due to illegal mining activities.

Mr Kekula commended the chief of Bunso, Osabarima Abeam Brakatu Ofori Aninkra, and all stakeholders who collaborated with the organisation to complete the project. 

He further urged the people to continue to support the organisation saying, "as we move to other communities to provide water and social amenities, we expect to receive similar cooperation and support from the people so that households and children in those communities will also benefit."

He finally spelt out how these communities shall use these facilities to their benefit.
 
"We shall always undertake these projects using our social business model which commits beneficiaries to make a basic financial commitment towards the use of water or any other sanitation facility that we provide. When beneficiaries pay an agreed token fee for the service maintenance is assured and the water is also always available" 

Osabarima Aninkra, on behalf of the people of Bunso expressed his appreciation to the officials of SOS Children's Villages Ghana for their timely intervention.

He gave an assurance that together with other stakeholders, a system would be fashioned to ensure the regular maintenance of the facility.

Ms Patricia Mietona Kunchire, Project Officer of SOS Children's Village Family Strengthening Programme also stated that the project was one of the several other projects the organisation will be doing to compliment the efforts of the government of Ghana.

Some of the residents expressed joy at the water project. 

"I am very happy because now my children will no more walk a long distance to fetch water. Apart from that we are also going to enjoy drinkable water. We shall no more fall sick because of the water we drink. Thank you SOS Children's Villages Ghana for this kind gesture," Madam Elizabeth Kwofie, one of the residents said.