The National Trust Holding Company (NTHC) has drilled a mechanized borehole to provide potable water for inmates of the Weija Leprosarium in Accra.

The gesture ends several years of scarcity of water faced by the Leprosarium where vulnerable old men and women had to walk several kilometres in search of water daily.

NTHC Acting Managing Director, Francis Apanka said the decision to help the Leprosarium forms part of the company's programme to give back to the community while building a strong and sustainable business into the future.

The company is 40 years and as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) it decided to address the water challenge by drilling a borehole with 7,000 litre water storage tank. The project cost GH¢15,000.

“It is a natural position to arrive after 40 years in operations. In accordance with the adage that life begins at 40, NTHC is beginning new life and naturally we are asking ourselves where and how we want to take our business in the next 40 years."

Mr Apanka said the company wants to add more value to all of its stakeholders namely "customers, shareholders, partners, and staff and of course our community including the most disadvantaged sections."

"Therefore we consider a duty and a privilege to be able to bring some comfort to our brothers and sisters at the Weija Leprosarium,” he added.

Chairman of the Lepers’ Aid Committee, Reverend Father Andrew Campbell commended NTHC for the project which he said would go a long way to address the water challenges of inmates.

Considering the limited resources allocated for the upkeep of inmates,  he said the support rendered to the Leprosarium by NTHC would help them cut cost.

Rev. Campbell pleaded with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS) to consider registering inmates onto the scheme.

He urged Ghanaians to desist from stigmatizing inmates of the Leprosarium because they are no longer carriers of the leprosy disease.