Access to clean and reliable water is a fundamental necessity, yet many communities in northern Ghana continue to struggle with seasonal water shortages. In response to this challenge, Saha Global has launched a dugout expansion project in Yakura, a community in the North-East Gonja District of the Savannah Region. This initiative, funded by the Shockwave Foundation, aims to provide sustainable water access for residents who face severe water scarcity, particularly during the dry season.

A Community in Need

For years, Yakura and surrounding communities, including Fushila and Jantongwulanyili, have relied on a single dugout for their water supply. However, this source often dries up between January and June, forcing residents—especially women and children—to walk long distances to neighbouring communities such as Datoyili to fetch water. This time-consuming and physically demanding task not only affects daily household activities but also limits opportunities for education and economic engagement.

Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution, Saha Global has partnered with key stakeholders, including Bonsah Construction Works, to rehabilitate and expand the existing dugout. The project was officially launched with a sod-cutting ceremony attended by the Savannah Regional Minister, local government officials, traditional leaders, and community members.

In communities where groundwater is not accessible, such as Yakura, Saha Global is equipping 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 centers, 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.

Government Support and Collaboration
During the event, Savannah Regional Minister Hon. Salisu Be-Awuribe underscored the importance of the project, emphasizing that expanding the dugout would help ensure a consistent water supply for Yakura and neighbouring villages.
“We are aware that the current dugout does not have the capacity to sustain the community throughout the dry season. This expansion will not only increase its depth and width but also reinforce the embankments to improve access during the rainy season,” he stated.

While the initiative is spearheaded by Saha Global, Minister Be-Awuribe assured that it has full support from local authorities. North-East Gonja District Coordinating Director (DCD) Issah Imoro further highlighted the logistical challenges of providing pipe-borne water to widely dispersed rural communities. “Ensuring access to clean water remains a government priority, but due to the distances between communities, boreholes and dugouts remain the most viable water solutions in this region,” he explained. He welcomed the involvement of organizations like Saha Global in bridging the gap in water provision.

A Sustainable Approach to Water Access

The project not only addresses immediate water shortages but also lays the groundwork for long-term water security. Expanding the dugout will increase its storage capacity, ensuring that residents have access to water throughout the year. By working closely with community members, local authorities, and engineers, Saha Global aims to implement a solution that is both effective and sustainable.

According to Francis Blessing Gbandan, a key advocate for the project, the expansion will significantly improve the quality of life in Yakura. “This initiative will reduce the time and effort spent searching for water and enhance the community’s resilience against seasonal droughts,” he noted. “It’s about creating lasting change.”

Looking Ahead
As Saha Global continues to work toward sustainable water solutions in northern Ghana, the Yakura dugout expansion serves as a model for future interventions. The organization remains committed to providing clean water to communities in need and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change.

The success of this project will not only transform the lives of Yakura residents but also set a precedent for other communities facing similar water challenges. Through collaboration and innovation, Saha Global is making a tangible impact, one community at a time.
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