The people of Agortime Kpetoe in the Volta Region have found long-awaited relief from their enduring water crisis following the official handover of a borehole water project on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
The initiative now provides residents with a dependable source of clean water after years of severe water shortages.
For decades, the community had struggled with an unreliable water supply, worsened in recent years by contamination of their only water source, the River Tordze. A spillage of agrochemicals from neighboring Togo rendered the river unsafe, forcing residents to buy water from Ho and private suppliers to meet their daily needs.
The borehole project, which reaches a depth of approximately 200 meters, was spearheaded by Mr. Joshua Kavianu, a native of Agortime Kpetoe. Moved by the plight of his community, Mr. Kavianu funded and led the project, hoping to provide a long-term solution to the water crisis.
Although the borehole now provides immediate relief, Mr. Kavianu appealed to the government to fast-track the extension of permanent water infrastructure to underserved communities like Agortime Kpetoe.
A seven-member management committee was inaugurated to oversee the operation and maintenance of the borehole. Mr. Kavianu underscored the importance of proper upkeep, urging the community to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
“Without clean water, children will die, schools and clinics will suffer, and development will come to a halt,” Mr. Kavianu stated, emphasizing the essential role of water in the health and development of the community.
Hon. Alfred Klu Odikro, District Chief Executive of Agortime Ziope, assured residents of the government’s commitment to improving water access. He announced that the NDC government plans to extend Phase 4 of the Spanish Water Project to Agortime Kpetoe either before the end of the year or early next year.
Hon. Odikro further promised to install street lights at the water site and construct a shelter to protect the facility. He reaffirmed that despite previous setbacks, the project would indeed reach Kpetoe.
The event was graced by the Guest of Honor, Hon. Jerry Ameko, District Chief Executive for Adaklu, who commended Mr. Kavianu for his timely intervention. He echoed support for the Spanish Water Project’s Phase 4, which will benefit districts including Agortime Ziope, Akatsi South, and Ketu North.
Hon. Ameko encouraged the newly formed management committee to practice patience and adopt responsible maintenance practices. He expressed optimism that the success of this project could pave the way for more water initiatives in the region.
Residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Kavianu for his selflessness and to the government for its plans to expand water infrastructure. Some residents living near the Kpetoe Market also appealed to authorities for the provision of street lights, noting it remains one of the community’s major concerns, especially in the upper market area.
