For Doris Wuraku, fetching water used to be a daily struggle, one that often cut into her income. The 41-year-old resident of Aseibea, a suburb of Trabuom, relies on water to prepare ice kenkey, a popular Ghanaian treat. But the unreliable water supply in her town meant she couldn’t always make enough to sell.
“Preparing ice kenkey requires a lot of water,” Wuraku said. “Before, there were days I couldn’t make it at all because there wasn’t enough water. But now, with the new supply, I’ve been able to prepare and sell ice kenkey every day. I believe this will help me earn more to support my family.”
Trabuom, located in the Atwima Kwanwoma district of the Ashanti region, has long faced water challenges. Like many communities in the area, it lacks access to pipe-borne water and essential sanitation infrastructure. In Aseibea, families relied on a single borehole with a hand pump that struggled to keep up with demand, leading to long queues during peak hours in the morning and evening. The borehole was often locked for periods to allow it to recover, further complicating access.
Women like Wuraku bore the brunt of these shortages. As primary water providers for their households, the task of collecting water added hours of unpaid labour to their day, leaving them with little time for income-generating activities. In developing regions, access to safe water can be life-changing, especially for women and girls who manage their households’ water needs.
Community standpipes
But change has come to Aseibea. With support from the Latter-Day Saint Charities, WSUP recently completed the construction of a new mechanized borehole system. The upgrade includes a 5,000-liter storage tank, ensuring a continuous water supply, even during power outages.
The impact was immediate. Women who once spent hours waiting in line for water now have more time to focus on their businesses. The new system promises not just convenience but economic empowerment.
“Before, I would spend hours just to get a few buckets of water,” Wuraku said. “Now, I can spend that time making my ice kenkey. It’s a relief.”
The project’s benefits extend beyond individuals like Wuraku. The entire community has felt a shift in their daily routines. Girls who previously missed school to help their mothers fetch water are now able to attend classes regularly.
“This new water source is a game-changer for us,” said Mary Adu, a mother of three. “It’s not just about having water. It’s about the freedom it gives us to do more with our lives.”