World Vision Ghana has announced the rollout of two complementary water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects aimed at significantly improving living conditions for over 25,000 residents in the Sekyere Afram Plains District of the Ashanti region.

The initiative, launched in Kumasi, was funded by a philanthropist through World Vision Canada and the Groundfos Foundation, with a combined investment of $1.5 million and €80,500, respectively.

Yaw Attah Arhin, WASH Technical Specialist at World Vision, explained that the five-year Sekyere Afram Plains WASH for Improved Health Project, supported by World Vision Canada, sought to expand access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services across 19 communities, four health facilities, and 19 schools.

Key interventions included the construction of 12 solar-powered mechanised water systems with reservoirs, the replacement of seven hand-pumps for smaller communities, and the installation of 12 institutional latrines featuring disability-friendly KVIP units, changing rooms, and menstrual hygiene management facilities. 

To further encourage healthy practices, 144 dustbins and 40 hand-washing stations will also be distributed.

Complementing this effort is the one-year Groundfos WASH 4 Improved Child Well-Being Project, funded by the Groundfos Foundation. 

This initiative is concentrated on two schools within the district, to provide two 4-seater disability- friendly latrines, one water system, and basic hygiene facilities, including dustbins and hand-washing stations.

World Vision Ghana, through its GI-WASH programme, will deploy drilling rigs and skilled technical teams to ensure efficient implementation. 

The organisation will also collaborate closely with local authorities, institutions, and community stakeholders to foster ownership, promote participation, and guarantee the long-term sustainability of the interventions.

Mr Arhin stated that the aim was to improve protection for the most vulnerable children and their communities through sustainable access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene facilities. 

These projects align with national WASH priorities and are expected to enhance health outcomes, increase school attendance, and strengthen community resilience in Sekyere Afram Plains by 2029.

Together, the two projects are intended to reach 25,492 beneficiaries, ensuring gender and age inclusivity, while empowering communities to maintain and manage WASH services for years to come.