THE MBANAAYILI COMMUNITY MECHANIZED BOREHOLE PROJECT

The original goal was to establish a capped borehole to provide a clean source of water in the Futa community located in Tamale, Ghana. Unfortunately, the resistivity testing revealed the grounds were not viable to sustain the project.  A second community was selected, Mbanaayili, where the successful implementation of a mechanized borehole was established. Mbanaayili is a community in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region of Ghana. The project's primary goal was to address the long-standing issue of water scarcity by providing a reliable and sustainable source of clean, potable water. The initiative received funding through the generosity of the following organizations:  

• Greater Essex Community Uplift Foundation
• New Jersey Integrated Black Nurses Association
• Tau Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated®
• Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church

 

With full cooperation from the community, this initiative will significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for the residents.

The main objective was to install a deep mechanized borehole equipped with a submersible solar pump and a storage tank. This system was designed to deliver a continuous supply of clean water to a central point in the village, thereby reducing the time and physical burden of fetching water from distant or contaminated sources. 

 THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT INCLUDED:

• Geophysical Survey: Identifying a suitable location with an adequate water table. - Drilling and Casing: Drilling the borehole to the required depth and lining it with a protective casing.
• Pump Installation: Installing a solar-powered submersible pump for efficient water extraction.
• Tank and Stand Construction: Building a raised stand and installing a large-capacity water tank for storage and gravity-fed distribution.
• Distribution Point: Creating a central tap stand for community access.
• Training and Handover: Training community members on the system's operation and maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Training and Handover: Training community members on the system's operation and maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability. 

This project exemplifies the power of targeted development aid and community collaboration in addressing basic needs and improving livelihoods. Its success serves as a replicable model for similar initiatives in other water-stressed communities throughout Ghana.  

The borehole will impact ~4000 lives.