Solar-Powered Water Systems Commissioned in Wudzedeke and Bedzame
By Vivian Adu, Communications Officer
The communities of Wudzedeke and Bedzame in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region witnessed a historic milestone when World Vision Ghana commissioned solar-powered mechanised water systems.
Funded by World Vision Ghana at a cost of US$25,000 each, the newly inaugurated facilities comprise seven water points in Wudzedeke and five in Bedzame, bringing the total number of strategically located water points across both communities to 12. These installations ensure that households can access clean water without having to walk long distances or rely 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,” he declared.
Citing national statistics, Irvine 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 also expressed concern that women and children in many communities still have to travel long distances to collect water that is often of questionable quality.
To tackle these challenges, he urged the community and its Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) to adopt best practices for handling water and managing sanitation, emphasising that poor storage and transport frequently lead to contamination.
Irvine 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. Furthermore, he 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 population 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 everyone in the areas where the organisation operates with access to clean water 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, the 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, the Agortime-Ziope District Assembly officials, clergy, teachers, students, and community members who were all united in celebrating a new chapter of development for Wudzedeke.
