The beneficiary communities have been handed with 8-seater Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pits (KVIPs) and mechanized boreholes.

The toilet facilities coming with other accessories such as water harvesting systems, and changing rooms for girls, were given to communities namely: Akokoa, Boniafo, Premukyae, Petuda, Abour and Dobidi Nkwanta.

Those benefiting from the mechanized boreholes are: Sampa, Dobidi Nkwanta, Akokoa, Fanfour, Abour, Garadima, Akokoa and Premukyae.

Mr Joseph Kwogyenga, the Cluster Manager, put the cost range of each the KVIP, at US$65,000 - US$85,000 and said the purpose was to help end open defecation and enhance hygienic practices in the communities.

The solar-powered mechanized boreholes facilities each having a drilling cost of US$9,000 and mechanization cost of US$6,500, were all geared towards enhancing and sustaining the communities to have access to improved and quality water.

Mr Kwogyenga was speaking at a ceremony held at Abour to officially hand over the facilities to the respective beneficiary communities said the gesture was also WV-G’s contribution to the celebration of the Global handwashing Day marked annually on October 15.

It brought together traditional leaders, local government officials, staff of WVI-Ghana and members of the public.

Mr Edward Owusu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), commended WVI-Ghana for the support adding that the existence of the NGO in the Municipality since 1999, has helped improve their wellbeing.

He called on the community members to cooperate with the Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committees in the Municipality to ensure a prolonged lifespan if the facilities.

Mr Moses Kwasi Dziwornu, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator of the Municipal Education Directorate, urged community members and school children to employ appropriate measures in their homes to enhance personal hygiene.

He said they should consistently wash their hands with soap, especially after visiting the toilets and before eating adding that this would help prevent faeco-oral diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and intestinal infections.

Mrs Georgina Harriet Nyamekeh, the WASH Officer of the Sekyere East Cluster, urged the WATSAN committees to ensure that the facilities are well managed.

She also called on community leaders to employ strict measures to safeguard the facilities from theft.

Nana Barfour Gyan II, chief of Boniafo, one of the beneficiary communities, also commended WVI-Ghana for the initiative and urged community members to cooperate in guaranteeing the proper usage of the facilities.