MARCH 2020 — Kongo is a village community in the northeast region of Ghana with around 150 households. It is also home to a Spiritual Renewal Centre (SRC) run by Capuchin friars. SRC is comprised of the Immaculate Conception Church, a retreat centre and a Marian Grotto, making it popular pilgrimage site. Twice a year, during major celebrations (Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and Feast of the Assumption), it attracts up to 5,000 pilgrims.
There are two water boreholes with hand pumps in the area. However, during summer season, the water supply is not enough for the whole community. People have to walk two or more kilometres to fetch water. The problem is even more acute during pilgrimage days: apart from long lines waiting for water, it is often not enough to meet the daily needs of pilgrims.
The new “Well4Africa” project would involve drilling a borehole and installing an electric pump, two large water tanks and a pipe system, so that safe drinking water is conveniently accessible to both the local community and thousands of pilgrims. Capuchin Friars and the local Catholic community will be responsible for supervising the implementation of the project and, afterwards, the maintenance of the installation.
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Sibi is a small village community in the Nkwanta District in the eastern part of Ghana. The village has 320 households/extended families, most of which are farmers. Around 46% of the population are Christian and the community is rapidly growing. In 2018, YouFra fraternity was established at the local church served by Capuchin friars. The fraternity now has 40 members.
The village has only one functioning borehole, which does not provide enough water for the people. During the rainy season, people collect rainwater coming down from their roofs. At other times, women and children carry water from a small man-made dam or other sites, where the water is stagnant, muddy and not safe to drink.
In this “Well4Africa” project, a well will be drilled on a donated site, which will be conveniently accessible to the local community. Its care and maintenance is entrusted to the Capuchin Friars of Sibi.