Gonum(UE), Nov. 7, GNA- World Vision, an international NGO on Monday inaugurated a multipurpose solar mechanised water system at Gonum in the Kassena Nankana West District  of the Upper East Region at the cost of GH¢ 110,000.

In addition the organisation had also drilled a mechanised borehole at Woligum at the cost GH¢10,000 for the people.

Lack of water is affecting the academic pursuit of pupils in the two communities who spend long hours in search of water.

Due to the poor quality of water in the area most of the people are attacked by waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid.

Mr Samuel Diarra, Director of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene of World Vision in charge of West Africa, told the Ghana News Agency that the two water systems, which could last for more than 25 years could also be used for irrigation.

He said since 1985 World Vision had drilled about 3,000 mechanised boreholes in Ghana and also empowered some communities in the area of good hygiene and sanitation.

Mr Diarra said the boreholes had contributed significantly to the reduction of water borne diseases such as guinea worm in the endemic areas in the country particularly Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions as well as the Afram Plains.

The National Director of World Vision Ghana, Mr Hubert Charles indicated that one of the top priorities of World Vision is to seek the welfare of the vulnerable in the society such as children and women.

The Senior Vice President of the International Programme Group of World Vision, Kent Hill expressed happiness that school children at Gonun and Woligum would no longer commute long distances to search for water.

The Area Development Programme Manager of World Vision in charge of the Kassena- Nankana West, Ms Eugenia Atami said from October 2010 to September 2012 her outfit had drilled 43 boreholes in the District.

World Vision is also implementing the Community- led Total Sanitation project, which involves communities and schools in managing good sanitation and hygiene practices.

“Good Hygiene and Sanitation clubs have been formed in schools and are taught... Additionally hand washing facilities have been provided to some schools in the area and school children are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the toilet.”

World Vision's Operation Base Team Leader in charge of Upper East Region, Madam Benedicta Pealore said the NGO is the biggest supporter of programmes and projects worldwide.

The District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Thomas Dalu and the chiefs and people World Vision for the gesture.

GNA