Republic Bank Brings Clean Water to Pwalugu and Dingoni With Mechanised Borehole Projects
Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC has inaugurated two mechanised borehole water projects in the Upper East and Northern Regions, delivering clean and safe drinking water to communities that, until now, have competed with livestock for access to the most basic of necessities.
The projects, commissioned on May 25 in Pwalugu in the Talensi District and May 26 in Dingoni in the Tolon District, were undertaken under the bank’s “Power to Make A Difference” (PMAD) initiative and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
The intervention was inspired by a JoyNews documentary by Upper East Regional Correspondent Albert Sore, which showed heartbreaking scenes of women and children struggling daily for water alongside animals. “As a responsible institution committed to touching lives, we felt compelled to intervene,” said Dr Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC.
At the Pwalugu inauguration, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga described the project as more than an infrastructure investment. “This project is not just about water; it is a symbol of hope, dignity, improved public health, and enhanced livelihoods for the people of Pwalugu,” he stated. “It is also a clear example of how public-private partnerships can positively impact lives at the grassroots level.”
The Chief of Pwalugu, Naba Ayine Akpiisi Kurugu, noted that previous attempts by contractors to drill for water in the area had failed. “Many people attempted this project without success, but Republic Bank persevered and drilled beyond 110 metres to finally secure water for our people,” he said. “This sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The successful drilling in Pwalugu is a reminder of how underserved many northern communities remain when it comes to basic infrastructure. Recent jubilation in Wa West, where the Tindoma and Welteng communities were connected to the national grid after years in darkness, underscored the transformative impact that even the most modest infrastructure investments can have on rural livelihoods.
In Dingoni, the District Chief Executive, Seidu Breimeh, who represented the Northern Regional Minister, praised the bank for complementing government efforts. “Water remains a major challenge in this district, and this project brings great relief to the people of Dingoni,” he said.
Dr Dzoboku explained that the mechanised borehole is intended to provide consistent relief, particularly to women and school children who previously spent long hours searching for water. “We want children to have more time to study and families to focus on productive activities,” he said. The bank has pledged to work with the contractor over the next year to train community members on the operation and maintenance of the solar and electricity-powered automated borehole system.
Republic Bank supports four key SDGs through its corporate social responsibility interventions: Health, Education, Water and Sanitation, and Climate Action. The Pwalugu and Dingoni projects represent the bank’s most direct investment yet in the water and sanitation space, and a signal that corporate Ghana can play a meaningful role in addressing the country’s most pressing development gaps.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
