Kosmos Energy Ghana (KEG) and Safe Water Network have completed the third and final phase of a water project to bring clean and safe water to 19 communities in its operation districts in the Western region.

The project, in line with a commitment made in November 2012 when they began construction of water stations, was done with the support of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency.

The third phase which began in August 2014 and was completed in December 2014 will benefit 12,300 people in seven communities, namely Agyan, Akonu, Apataim, Domunli, Egyambra, Miemia and Princess Town.

The newly built facilities – four water stations and three substations – will produce approximately 25,515 liters per day for each community, or roughly 765,343 liters monthly for each of the seven communities.

The project also includes health and hygiene programs, as well as behavioural change communication strategies which will be implemented in beneficiary communities and schools.

Community volunteers, school children, and other groups will form the base of an outreach program. Training will be organized for these teams so they can visit homes and educate people regarding safe water handling.

Since it began in 2012, the water project led by Kosmos Energy and Safe Water Network has benefited over 27,000 people in 19 communities in four districts.

There are now seven working water purification facilities, eight local operators, and more than 64 vendors engaged. Local technical and financial capacity building initiatives and a sustainability monitoring system have been launched to ensure successful management of the water facilities.

“A total of 50 systems will be added over the next three years across all of the regions in Ghana where we operate,” says Charles Nimako, Ghana Country Director for Safe Water Network.

“This will provide over 200,000 more people access to safe water. Partners like KOSMOS Energy are important to our ability to reach more people, faster.”

“Anyone can install a water system,” says Kurt Soderlund, CEO of Safe Water Network, “keeping it going is the real challenge. We have developed a comprehensive package of support, training and knowledge on how to design, launch and maintain these safe water stations. Over the next three years, with the help of partners like KOSMOS Energy and support from the Ghana Government, we can make a real impact on people’s lives.”

Ken Keag, Vice President and Country Manager of Kosmos Energy Ghana, said: “I am proud that Kosmos has played such a pivotal role in bringing water to people in these 19 communities. We are pleased to partner with Safe Water Network and other stakeholders to energize our communities with the skills necessary to own and operate these systems for the long term.”