By Lucy Baagyei-Danso
Saha Global, a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing clean water to underserved communities in Ghana, has officially launched a dugout expansion project in Yakura, located in the North-East Gonja District of the Savannah Region. This initiative aims to address persistent water shortages that have long affected residents in the area.
Funded by the Shockwave Foundation, the project seeks to provide sustainable access to water for local communities struggling with seasonal drought conditions. A sod-cutting ceremony, held to mark the commencement of this critical intervention, was attended by the Savannah Regional Minister, officials from the North East Gonja District Assembly, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders, including Bonsah Construction Works, the contracted firm responsible for the project.
Speaking at the event, Savannah Regional Minister Honourable Salisu Be-Awuribe emphasized the urgency of expanding the dugout to ensure a reliable water supply for the community. “We are aware that the current dugout does not have sufficient capacity to sustain residents throughout the dry season. This expansion will not only deepen and widen the dugout but also reinforce its embankments to improve access during the rainy season,” he stated. He commended Saha Global for its unwavering commitment to providing clean water, underscoring that while the initiative is not government-led, it has received full support from local authorities.
The dugout expansion is set to benefit multiple communities, including Fushila, Jantongwulanyili, and Yakura. According to Francis Blessing Gbandan, Government and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Saha Global, the existing dugout typically dries up between January and June each year, forcing residents to walk approximately 45 minutes to neighbouring communities, such as Datoyili, to purchase water. This challenge, he noted, places a significant burden on residents, particularly women and children, who spend valuable time searching for water instead of engaging in productive activities. “The expansion is designed to ensure a year-round supply of clean and sufficient water,” he added.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Saha Global has taken proactive measures by engaging engineers to rehabilitate and expand the dugout. North-East Gonja District Coordinating Director (DCD) Issah Imoro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving water access but acknowledged the logistical challenges of providing pipe-borne water to widely dispersed communities. “Ensuring access to clean water remains a top priority for the government. However, given the geographical dispersion of our communities, many are too far apart to be connected to a single water supply system. This is why we continue to rely on boreholes and dugouts,” he explained. He further emphasized the importance of external support in bridging the gap in water provision.
Reflecting on the One Village, One Dam initiative introduced by the previous government, Imoro admitted that its implementation had been inconsistent. He highlighted that the existing dugout in Yakura, originally intended to provide year-round water, was completely dry at the time of the sod-cutting ceremony, underscoring the need for a more sustainable approach. “The shortcomings of previous interventions highlight the importance of projects like this, which prioritize long-term community resilience and reliable access to clean water,” he stated.
Imoro expressed gratitude to Saha Global for spearheading the expansion and reiterated the necessity of partnerships between the government and non-governmental organizations to tackle water challenges. “Water provision is primarily the responsibility of the central government, but when organizations like Saha Global step in to support these efforts, we must ensure they receive the necessary assistance. My office remains open to facilitating and supporting such initiatives,” he assured. His statement reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing critical infrastructure challenges and improving living conditions for rural communities.
Gbandan reaffirmed that “the dugout expansion in Yakura represents a major step toward improving water access and enhancing resilience against seasonal water shortages.” As the project progresses, he emphasized that Saha Global remains committed to working closely with communities, local authorities, and engineers to implement sustainable solutions. He added that the success of this initiative would not only transform Yakura but also serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.
In communities where groundwater is not accessible, such as Yakura, Saha Global equips local women with the skills to treat surface water using its Simple Surface Water Treatment System. This innovative approach ensures that as long as the community’s dugout retains water throughout the year, residents can access a reliable source of safe drinking water.
By training women to operate and manage these water treatment centres, Saha Global is not only improving public health but also fostering local leadership in water resource management. This initiative is part of Saha’s ongoing mission to provide sustainable clean water solutions to hard-to-reach communities in northern Ghana.
