Residents of Sokolo-Debibi and Agyawiam in the Tain District of the Bono Region have received a major boost in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) following the commissioning of mechanised boreholes to provide safe, reliable drinking water.
The intervention, funded by Anesvad Foundation, is part of the Community Integration and Systems Strengthening Project aimed at reducing the burden of NTDs in vulnerable communities. The new facilities include mechanised boreholes fitted with electric pumping machines and large polytanks to ensure a constant water supply.
Speaking at durbars in both communities, the Executive Director of Tim Africa Aid Ghana, Mr. Isaac Kwabena Kakpeibe, explained that the provision of potable water was a strategic step to help curb the spread of NTDs, many of which thrive in environments with poor sanitation and unsafe water sources. "This intervention is to support the communities to win the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases. Access to safe drinking water is critical in breaking the cycle of these diseases," he said, urging each community to set up a functional water management committee to oversee operations and maintenance.
The Assembly Member for the Sokolo-Debibi Electoral Area, Mr. Ofosu Francis, thanked the organisations on behalf of the chiefs and people, and appealed for more development interventions in the area. The Tain District Health Directorate used the occasion to educate residents on diseases such as elephantiasis, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and yaws, urging early reporting of symptoms to the nearest health facility. The Tain District Health Director, Madam Agnes Aseidu, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and encouraged residents to prioritise regular bathing, avoid open defecation, and rely on safe drinking water sources.
Representing the District Chief Executive, the District Planning Officer, Mr. Pamphilio Annung-Yeni, disclosed that the Assembly had drilled 17 boreholes across the district to help prevent diseases including NTDs, while raising concerns about long-term sustainability and urging traditional leaders and residents to take ownership of the facilities.
Traditional authorities welcomed the intervention with excitement. The Chief of Brenyekwa-Sokolo, Nana Manu, who also chairs the community's health committee, recalled the community's long struggle with waterborne diseases such as guinea worm and onchocerciasis, and pledged the community's commitment to maintaining the facility. In Agyawiam, residents including Abena Saaba and Paulina Manu described the relief the project has brought: "It was very difficult for us. The water we used to drink was not clean, and it affected our health. This project has brought great relief to all women in this community."
Project engineers said the installed water systems are robust and could serve the communities for over 30 years if properly maintained. GLOMEF Ghana's Project Officer, Mr. Jesse Emmanuel Sarkodie, said the commissioning marks a significant step toward improving public health and quality of life in the Tain District, and that GLOMEF and its partners would continue working to eliminate NTDs in affected communities.
