In February 2010, Water for Ghana founder Nicole Buttner returned to Ghana, along with water specialist Rus Alit, to undertake the first Water for Ghana training program. It took place over a period of ten days.
Rus Alit trained Ghanaians in water technology; now, the local people are able to provide clean, safe drinking water for themselves.
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Rus Alit is an appropriate water technologist: he visits Third World countries and introduces simple yet effective water technologies.
These water technologies are designed to be "appropriate" or suitable for the environmental, cultural, social and economic aspects of the community. They require no outside energy source and utilise simple and cheap locally available materials, in order to provide clean, safe drinking water.
Prices of these water technologies can range from five dollars up to $250. Some of the technologies include water tanks (above-ground and underground), water filter units, and specialised water pumps.
Rus is well known for his former work with World Vision, but is now known more for his worldwide courses in training and empowering locals to implement these technologies.
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After much discussion and planning, Rus agreed to visit Ghana in February 2010, to run the training program together with Nicole. Rus trained a group of local Ghanaians to set up the appropriate water technologies and in the process, implemented them in the village of Adenya.
The trainees are now able to implement these water technologies in their local areas, as well as pass on their knowledge and skills to others.
The trainees were provided with food and accommodation during the ten-day training course; the trainees were also provided with a fund after the training program, so that they can continue to carry out this work, not only in their respective villages, but also in villages across Ghana.
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Similar projects have recently been undertaken in various locations all over the world and have proven very successful. It is hoped this will also be the case in Ghana.
The Water for Ghana Project will not be a one-off; it will involve follow-ups to ensure the technologies are being implemented correctly and effectively, and that training is continuing to be carried out.
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The Project is not simply about giving communities access to clean, safe drinking water.
It is so much more than just water — lives can be turned around.
With clean water, hygiene and sanitation improves, food production increases and hence health improves.
If children do not have to spend the day walking to obtain water or recovering from severe diarrhoea, school attendance rises.
There is no doubt water projects are a crucial first step in the long process of poverty reduction.
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