Safe water borehole for Gongotol, Wa West District

For over 100 years since Gongotol was first settled in the Wa West District, the community had no safe water source of their own. Their only option was a long walk to a nearby stream, where they would dig into a sump hole — a source shared with livestock and wild animals. The water was unsafe, causing water-borne diseases and keeping children away from school, either to make the long trek three times a day or because they were simply too unwell to attend.

That has now changed. Ghana Outlook funded a new safe water borehole for Gongotol — the first the community has ever had. Drilling reached 65 metres depth to guarantee a reliable supply even through the driest months of February and March. Water was first struck at 30 metres, with the full aquifer coming in at 40 metres, yielding an exceptional 100 litres per minute. The work was completed during the dry season — over three months without rain and two months of drought — making the achievement all the more significant.

Elder Batuuro Mwipuoyi spoke on behalf of the community, expressing his profound gratitude. “Now we can do all the things we needed to do,” he said. “Domestic chores, farm chores — children are no more late or absent at school. Our wives can deliver their babies without worry, and we can build our houses without spending so much buying water. Most of all, development will start coming now that water is here.”

For young Mwinfraa and Samuel, both in basic school, the change is immediate. They no longer face the daily dilemma of missing class to help fetch water and feed the animals. With safe water now on their doorstep, they can complete their household duties and arrive at school on time.