In the bustling community of Juaso in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, 25-year-old Mabel Gyamfua juggles many responsibilities. As a single mother of two, a caretaker for her elderly mother, and a small-scale trader, Mabel’s daily life was a constant struggle, largely due to one pervasive challenge: access to clean water.
For years, Mabel faced the daunting task of walking long distances and standing in lengthy queues to fetch water every morning. This daily routine exhausted her and disrupted her children’s schedules, causing them to be late for school. The hours she spent securing water daily significantly cut into her trading time, directly impacting her income and ability to provide for her family’s needs.
“I spend most of my trading hours at home due to the water access challenge, which adversely affects my daily income and makes it difficult to take care of my children and mother,” Mabel explained.
This precarious situation began to change when WSUP Ghana, with funding from The One Foundation and British Airways, launched a project to improve water access in Juaso and Onwe. Collaborating with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), district assemblies, and the beneficiary communities, the project focused on enhancing the operational efficiency of water services.
One key aspect of the project was enabling community members like Mabel to connect water service lines directly to their homes. Mabel promptly registered with the CWSA and the project team, eager to transform her household’s access to water. Soon, her home was connected to the water service line, bringing a reliable source of potable water right to her doorstep.
The impact was immediate and profound. No longer burdened by the long treks and waiting times, Mabel and her family could access clean water conveniently within their compound.
“Queues at water service points are a thing of the past,” she said, reflecting on the significant change in her daily routine.
With more time and energy now available, Mabel has been able to focus more on her petty trading. Her increased productivity has improved her income, allowing her to support her children’s education better and care for her mother. “My children can now perform household chores and attend school on time,” she added, beaming with pride.
Mabel’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of WSUP’s intervention. The project brought clean water to her home and restored her ability to earn a stable income and secure a better future for her family. “I am very excited as a resident of Juaso and a petty trader for this intervention,” Mabel concluded. “My income level is improving, thanks to The One Foundation and British Airways.”
Through this collaborative effort, WSUP has empowered Mabel and many others in her community, proving that access to clean water is not just a basic necessity but a catalyst for broader social and economic transformation. The project’s sustainable model ensures that the benefits will continue to be felt in the community for years to come.