Plan International Ghana Provides Water Systems and Sanitary Facilities to 10 Communities in Jasikan

Ten communities in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region have been provided with water systems and modern toilet facilities at a total cost of GH¢1,915,000. This initiative aims to resolve the long-standing water issues and eliminate open defecation in the beneficiary communities.

The water facilities, which cost GH¢1,115,000, include mechanized water and pumping systems. Additionally, GH¢800,000 was allocated for modern toilet facilities. Plan International Ghana provided these resources to promote sound health and improved sanitation in these communities, thereby enhancing productivity by ensuring the residents lead healthy lives.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of one of the mechanized water systems and a toilet facility for the Koesim community and M.A Basic School in the Jasikan Municipality, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana, Mr. Constant Tchona, stated that since his organization provided the M.A Basic School with modern toilets, water was also extended to the school to ensure complete hygiene among pupils.

Mr. Tchona explained that these projects are part of comprehensive development activities carried out by Plan International Ghana in deprived communities in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region and the Mamprusi District of the North East Region, where 10 other communities are also benefiting from similar projects.

He emphasized that Plan International Ghana is committed to removing obstacles that hinder the health of people in rural communities. The lack of potable water and toilet facilities has been identified as significant issues undermining efforts to promote quality lifestyles and improved health.

According to Mr. Tchona, the lack of potable water and toilet facilities not only endangers health but also poses a threat to girls’ education. Girls often refuse to attend school during their menstrual periods due to the stigma associated with the natural phenomenon they experience.

The Chief of Koesim, Togbe Kodzo Adufoli, thanked Plan International Ghana for their assistance. He noted that the provision of these facilities would greatly improve productivity in the community. Previously, residents had to travel about three kilometers to fetch water from streams and other sources, leading to water-related problems.

Togbe Kodzo Adufoli explained that the community’s greatest need over the years had been water. He promised that the community would establish a water management committee to ensure the effective and judicious use of the facility.

The Head Teacher of Koesim M.A Basic School, Mr. Benoni Nyasorgbor, said the lack of toilet facilities had affected school enrollment, especially among girls during their menstrual periods, leading some to drop out. However, he is confident that the provision of toilets with changing rooms and water to the school will attract more girls to enroll and attend regularly.

Credit: Ghanaian Times