The communities of Wudzedeke and Bedzame in the Agortime-Ziope District witnessed a historic milestone as World Vision Ghana commissioned solar-powered mechanised water systems in each town, providing residents with sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water.

The newly inaugurated facilities, funded by World Vision Ghana at a cost of US$25,000 each, comprise seven water points in Wudzedeke and five in Bedzame, bringing the total to 12 strategically located water points across both communities. These installations ensure that households can access potable water without enduring long walks or relying on unsafe sources.

This project marks a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing challenges of water scarcity and unsafe drinking water in the region.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Wudzedeke, Irvine Aboagye, Southern Regional Operations Manager for World Vision Ghana, described access to clean water as “fundamental for improved health, quality education, and socio-economic well-being.”

“Whoever brings water brings life,” Mr Aboagye declared.

Citing national statistics, Mr Aboagye noted that although 87.7% of Ghanaians have access to basic water services, over 4.5 million people still lack sustainable access to safe drinking water. He expressed concern that women and children in many communities continue to travel long distances for water, often of questionable quality.

To tackle these challenges, he urged the community and its Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) to adopt best practices in water handling and sanitation, emphasising that poor storage and transport frequently lead to contamination.

Mr Aboagye also called on the Agortime-Ziope District Assembly to conduct regular water quality monitoring, as outlined in the National Drinking Water Quality Management Framework, and appealed to the government to prioritise investment in safe water infrastructure.

Dr Greg Allgood, Vice President of Water and Health at World Vision US, reinforced the message of sustainability, encouraging the people of Wudzedeke to take ownership of the facility to ensure its long-term functionality. He linked the project to World Vision’s global “Finish the Job” initiative, which aims to provide clean water access to everyone, everywhere the organisation operates by 2032.

“In Ghana alone, World Vision is working to reach 700,000 people across 23 districts with clean water through this initiative,” Dr Allgood explained.

Torgbui Awadada Vizaze Adzaho V, Chief of Wudzedeke, expressed deep gratitude to World Vision Ghana and its partners, assuring that the community would protect and maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability.

“We are thankful for this life-changing project,” he said, adding that the water system would improve health, education, and livelihoods in the area.

The inauguration ceremony brought together traditional leaders, officials of the Agortime-Ziope District Assembly, clergy, teachers, students, and community members all united in celebrating a new chapter of development for Wudzedeke.