Nandom: The Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services among rural households in the Upper West Region, as part of its Healthy Future for All (HF4A) project. This initiative is aimed at fostering a hygienic environment for children under 15 years in homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, with a focus on the Nandom and Lambussie Districts.
According to Ghana News Agency, the HF4A project, funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust, has successfully enabled seven communities to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status through the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. This achievement is further supported by a WASH revolving fund aimed at increasing household sanitation. Additionally, the project has constructed 21 solar-powered water systems, benefitting approximately 40,000 individuals in the recipient communities.
The project's integrated community nutrition interventions have also played a role in reducing anaemia among pregnant women in these areas. During the HF4A project's Impact Learning Event in Nandom, Madam Barbara White Nkoala, SNV Ghana and Nigeria's Country Director, highlighted these accomplishments. The event gathered stakeholders from various levels to reflect on the project's progress, impact, and to strengthen systems addressing urgent WASH needs and climate resilience.
Madam Nkoala acknowledged the persistent challenge of accessing clean WASH services in northern Ghana's rural communities, worsened by climate change. However, she emphasized that SNV's interventions offer hope through the provision of sanitation facilities and water systems, along with training community volunteers on climate change.
She assured continued commitment from SNV, noting that the project's second phase would extend safe WASH services to an additional 4,500 children in the districts. It will also aim to bolster WASH governance, promote inclusive sanitation financing, and equip 10 health facilities with essential WASH and waste management systems.
The event also introduced the 'Building Climate Adaptation Capacities (BCAC) Project,' funded by GIZ under the EUGAP-REACH project. This initiative will be implemented in the Nandom, Lambussie, and Lawra Districts to enhance community resilience to climate change. Under the BCAC project, SNV will develop 23 climate-resilient boreholes, train farmers in climate-smart practices, and introduce early warning systems.
Mr. Anthony Ziniel, the Nandom Municipal Chief Executive, praised SNV's efforts, which have improved environmental cleanliness and climate resilience while empowering rural women. He emphasized the need for effective collaboration between district assemblies and SNV for the second phase of HF4A to succeed.
Madam Freda Naatu, Upper West Regional Director of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, stressed the importance of sustaining the project's achievements through effective implementation of bylaws. She encouraged beneficiaries to take ownership of the project and urged SNV to consider reintroducing pro-poor interventions to prevent setbacks in the CLTS gains.