Binanyi Mobel, age 56, from Onaninja, Ghana, is proud to have learned the importance of community ownership and proper management of water projects:
“Good water has been a major source of worry for the entire community. About ten years ago, a certain organization came and chose some spots to drill a borehole for us. Then they left and we never heard from them again; and we never received the borehole well. When we went to a nearby community to fetch good water they would drive us away. Before Water.org and APDO entered this community, our water was filthy and open defecation was common. Thank God all of this is becoming history because of continuous monitoring, education, and visits by the staff.”
Awuku Dordoe of Dordoekope shared his story: “I have been living in this lakeside community for a very long time now. Since we came here, the issue of clean water has been a problem for the entire community. We are close to river Oti, but the water is not potable as cattle also drink from it. But we are forced to drink it since there is no other option. At times we get diseases like a running stomach and bilharzia. Since we came here, there has not been any attempt by the District Assembly to provide us with potable water, such as borehole. What they always tell us is that it is difficult to drill in our community.
Myself and my family are very grateful that Water.org and APDO are introducing a device that will help some of us filter our water to make it safe for drinking. We are hoping that some of the ailments that we have will be history, and over the years it will become a story to tell our future grandchildren.”
This story is part of our Giving Thanks: Story of the Day series that will run through the end of 2009. There are countless reasons to celebrate clean water and we want to bring you some of the first-hand accounts of its life-saving, life-changing impact for those we serve around the globe. We invite you to join us and give thanks, give water, give life.
