Pwalugu: Residents of Pwalugu and surrounding communities in the Talensi District have received relief from years of acute water crisis following the inauguration of a mechanised borehole by Republic Bank Ghana PLC. The facility, powered by electricity and solar energy, is expected to provide clean and reliable water to hundreds of residents who previously depended on unsafe water sources shared with animals.
According to Ghana News Agency, the intervention came to light after management of the bank watched a disturbing documentary aired by a media outlet, which highlighted the acute water crisis in the area. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana PLC, said the intervention formed part of the bank's corporate social responsibility initiative dubbed 'Power to Make a Difference.'
Dr. Dzoboku emphasized that out of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Republic Bank Ghana PLC had prioritised four thematic areas, including water and sanitation, education, health, and climate action. He indicated that the facility would not only help to achieve Goal Six of the global agenda but would also provide life and dignity to the people who had struggled for water for decades.
He further mentioned that the project encountered several challenges during construction due to the rocky nature of the area, making it difficult to locate water underground. Despite these challenges, the bank remained committed to delivering on its promise to the Pwalugu community.
Dr. Dzoboku assured the community that consultants would remain in the area for one year to supervise the maintenance and sustainability of the facility before management responsibilities were handed over to selected community members. He urged residents to maintain the facility properly to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
Mr. Patrick Kofi Dzodzegbe, the Bolgatanga Branch Manager of Republic Bank Ghana PLC, noted that the successful completion of the project fulfilled a promise made during the sod-cutting ceremony held in December 2025. He explained that the intervention aligned with the bank's sustainability agenda anchored on four pillars: 'the power to learn, the power to care, the power to help, and the power to succeed.'
Mr. John Millim Namwomya, the Talensi District Chief Executive, commended Republic Bank for the intervention, describing it as a demonstration of responsible corporate citizenship and commitment to improving lives. He noted that access to potable water remained a critical indicator of development and would help improve sanitation, health, productivity, and living standards in the area.
Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, also praised the bank for complementing government efforts to improve access to clean water and essential social services. He said the project would contribute to reducing water-related diseases while easing the burden on women and children who travelled long distances in search of water.
Mr. Moses Adongo, the Assembly Member for the Pwalugu Electoral Area, recounted the community's water crisis and said previous attempts by residents to dig boreholes had failed because of the depth required to access groundwater in the rocky area. He disclosed that the borehole was drilled beyond 110 metres before sufficient water was found and expressed gratitude to Republic Bank and the media for highlighting the plight of the community.
Naba Ayine Akpisiikurugu, the Chief of Pwalugu, commended the bank for the intervention, saying it had relieved residents, especially women, from travelling long distances in search of water, and appealed for additional mechanised boreholes for the community.