Mr Lawson overseeing the dam construction

Due to lack of ground water in the project area, the Mafi-Zongo water project harvests surface water in small dams on a seasonal river. In 2005 the rains failed and the dam level fell very low. In 2006 we had excess rain and flooding that damaged the dyke. The great news is that we have finally secured the services of an experienced dam engineer, Mr. Lawson, assisted by volunteer engineer Selassie Diaba, is now helping us to repair the damage to the dam.

The bulldozer work started at the beginning of April, and if things go well it will be completed by the end of the month. The bulldozer work will repair the damage caused by last year’s flooding, strengthen the dyke and increase the storage capacity by raising the dam. In this way we will be able to store enough water to see us through the years when the rains fail.

Emporer, one of the local leaders holding a glass of clean tap water

A big step has been taken as the water losses that have haunted the project from the beginning have been reduced. In March 2007 the losses were down considerably, which is acceptable for a rural water project.

With vigilance and the invaluable help of Engineers Without Borders, we are taking steps to ensure acceptable water quality all year round. As last year’s water quality was seriously compromised following heavy rains, we are hoping to construct a large horizontal roughing filter this summer for efficient pre-treatment of highly turbid raw water that follows heavy rains.

The District Health Director has been so impressed by our work in the region that we have been asked to assist the government health posts.

In January 2007, AMURT and Seva Clinic’s achievements were praised by the District Health Director during the Annual Meeting attended by representatives of all health posts, clinics and hospitals in the district. So far we have responded to the request for assistance from the health department by providing a water standpipe to the new Agoe Clinic, as well as furniture: chairs, benches, tables and a cabinet.

The girls from the village have gathered for a sexual health workshop.

Volta Region: Over the last two years AMURT and Seva Clinic have run a health education campaign in the Mafi-Zongo Water project area and adjacent communities. This has involved village meetings, mostly  with women only, prioritizing topics of everyday importance in the area, such as malaria, diarrhoea, dehydration, malnutrition, high blood pressure, family planning and abuse of drugs, in addition to basic hygiene and sanitation.

The  team working together

Expansion of the Water Project empowers new leaders

The expansion of Mafi-Zongo water project has encouraged new, young, dynamic local leadership to emerge.

We are proud to have taken the big step of dividing the management of the project into two zones, North and South. This process started at the end of last year and the administrative functions have improved significantly.

The zone coordinators, Willy Sattey, the Youth Leader from Adanu, for the North, and William Atsu, headman of Sitorlokope, for the South, are doing a really great job. Monthly meetings are held with almost full attendance, demonstrating the enthusiasm and participation of the communities.

The 13 newly trained health promoters

Expanded Health Outreach Programme

Earlier in 2007, AMURT and the Seva Clinic expanded the health outreach programme and initiated a new exciting project to train health promoters in the villages. The goal is to localise knowledge so that the health education in schools and communities can be ongoing and not depend on visitors and overseas volunteers.