The District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon Mohammed Musah Tindawu, has applauded Saha Global’s commitment to providing safe and affordable drinking water to rural communities in Ghana, urging more stakeholders to join in this vital mission.
Saha Global’s Lifeline to 47 Rural Communities
Currently, Saha Global operates in 47 of the district’s 789 communities, offering essential water solutions to thousands of residents. The DCE praised Saha Global’s community-centered approach, which includes training locals in water collection and treatment to foster long-term sustainability and community ownership.
Progress and Impact Noted at Mole WASH Conference
In an interview during the 35th annual Mole WASH Conference in Ho, Volta Region, Hon. Tindawu highlighted the progress made through Saha Global’s initiatives, which have enabled around 500 people per community to access safe drinking water.
District’s Water Crisis Persists Despite Efforts
Despite Saha Global’s work, only 3% of the district’s population has reliable access to potable water, a situation exacerbated by limited groundwater resources. To address this, Tindawu announced plans to shift toward surface water treatment systems.
Funding Needs for Sustainable Water Projects
The DCE outlined the district’s ambitious plan to tap into local water sources for a more dependable supply. This transition, however, will require significant funding, estimated at $36–$37 million. Local businesses and international partners are being sought to help meet this financial need.
Borehole Challenges Lead to Surface Water Focus
Due to the region’s low water table, borehole drilling has had limited success. District leaders now see surface water as a more sustainable solution, particularly for underserved communities.
Collaboration with IES for Feasibility Studies
In partnership with the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IES), the district has completed initial engineering assessments and is actively seeking partners to fund a pilot project.
Severe Water Shortages Emphasize Need for Urgent Solutions
A recent census underscores the district’s challenges, ranking it low in water, health, and education indicators. Despite its proximity to Tamale, the district still relies on boreholes and limited surface water sources for drinking water.
Saha Global’s Approach: Serving the “Last Mile”
Gbandan Blessing Francis, Saha Global’s Government and Stakeholder Relations Manager explained the organization’s unique approach for remote communities reliant on untreated sources such as ponds, rivers, and dugouts. Traditional systems are unfeasible in these areas, making Saha Global’s solution essential.
Affordable, Simple Water Treatment for Rural Communities
Saha Global’s model includes a poly tank, metal stand, and 200-liter water drums. Community members collect and treat turbid water using alum and chlorine tablets to provide drinkable water within 10–15 minutes. Each tablet treats one drum, ensuring safe water free from bacteria.
Long-Term Impact Across Ghana’s Rural Communities
Operating in 410 communities across 25 districts, Saha Global has provided clean water solutions in Northern, Oti, Savannah, North East, and Bono East regions. Weekly service delivery teams visit communities, supplying chlorine and supporting local operators, with costs subsidized to keep water affordable.
Saha Global: Empowering Rural Ghana through Water Access
Saha Global’s innovative solutions and community partnerships have become transformative for water-scarce rural areas in Ghana, representing significant progress toward equitable water access and empowering residents.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo//newsghana.com.gh
